Composite image of a girl in a purple top folding her arms & a boy in orange giving a thumbs-up

Art by Carolyn Ridsdale

Are Group Projects Unfair?

Katie thinks so, but her older brother, Jackson, disagrees. Whose side are you on?

By Gabby Bing

From the December 2026/January 2027 Issue

Learning Objective: Students will identify and evaluate reasons and evidence from both sides of a debate, then state their opinion on the subject in one sentence.

Lexile: 630L

Featured Skill: Supporting an Opinion,

Standards

Art by Carolyn Ridsdale; alexey_ds/Getty Images (Hair)

Dear Jackson,

My class was just assigned a new project. We’re doing research on sea animals! I love sea turtles and thought making a poster about them would be fun . . . until I found out we have to work in groups. This is so unfair!

First, everyone might not put in the same amount of effort. The last time I did a group project, the other kids barely helped. I got stuck doing most of the work. Sure, we got an A on the project. But why should everyone get a good grade when I was the one who earned it?

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Second, group projects can cause conflicts. My group is already arguing a lot. We can’t even agree on an animal to research because of one bossy kid. He won’t listen to anyone else’s ideas! If we don’t make a decision soon, we’ll struggle to finish our project on time.

Last, research shows that group projects can be stressful for shy students like me. Talking in groups makes me nervous. What if I freeze up and don’t get to share my thoughts? I’m much more relaxed when I can work on a project by myself.

Your stressed little sister,

Katie

Art by Carolyn Ridsdale; iStockPhoto/Getty Images

Dear Katie,

Group projects can be challenging. But that doesn’t mean they’re unfair.
Hear me out!

For starters, I know you ended up doing most of the work last time. But that doesn’t mean it will happen again. Group work can make big assignments easier if everyone plays their part. What if each person in your group chooses a different role based on their strengths? That can help you divide the work fairly.

Next, solving conflicts is an important life skill. Experts say it can teach kids how to compromise, or find solutions that everyone agrees on. Try to talk with that bossy classmate one-on-one. Maybe you could share all the reasons you love sea turtles so much. Who knows—he might be fascinated and agree with your idea. Imagine how proud you’d feel if that were to happen!

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Finally, group projects can help you get comfortable working in teams. You’ll need to do this in future grades—and when you have a job one day. Practicing now will prepare you for that. I know this can seem scary at first. But the more you practice, the easier it will become.

Give your new group a chance. You might enjoy it!

Your supportive older sibling,

Jackson