Wade's class gets some money for a class pet. The teacher says, "We can buy one pet. It can be a fish or a small turtle."
韦德的班级得到了一笔钱，用来养班级宠物。老师说：“我们可以买一只宠物。可以是一条鱼，也可以是一只小乌龟。”
The class makes small groups. Each group makes a list. Wade wants the turtle. His group writes on the board.
同学们分成了小组。每个小组列一张清单。韦德想要乌龟。他的小组把理由写在黑板上。
"A turtle lives a long time," says Wade. "It is fun to watch." His friend adds, "A turtle can wait for food. A fish needs food every day."
“乌龟能活很长时间，”韦德说，“看它很有趣。”他的朋友补充道：“乌龟可以等食物。鱼每天都需要吃东西。”
"That helps on holidays," says Wade. "Nobody comes to school then."
“这在假期里很有用，”韦德说，“那时没有人来学校。”
Another group stands up. "A fish costs less money," a girl says. "We can buy a bigger tank. And it is easy to clean."
另一个小组站了起来。“鱼花的钱少，”一个女孩说，“我们可以买一个更大的鱼缸。而且它很容易清洗。”
Wade looks at the list. The fish has good reasons too. But he still wants the turtle.
韦德看着清单。鱼也有很好的理由。但他还是想要乌龟。
Now the class votes. Everyone puts up a hand. The teacher counts. "Twelve for the fish. Nine for the turtle," she says.
现在全班投票。每个人都举起了手。老师数了数。“十二票选鱼，九票选乌龟，”她说。
The fish wins. Wade is a little sad. He looks at his friends, and they look sad too.
鱼赢了。韦德有点难过。他看看朋友们，他们也一脸难过。
Then Wade stands up. "The fish is a good pet," he says. "I can feed it on Monday. And I can take it home on holidays."
然后韦德站了起来。“鱼是个好宠物，”他说，“周一我可以喂它。假期里我可以把它带回家。”
The teacher smiles. "Thank you, Wade. You are the first helper."
老师笑了。“谢谢你，韦德。你是第一个小帮手。”
