17 Group Assignments That Caused Lifelong Grudges
Real school group assignments often created tension when effort and responsibility were unequal, leaving behind grudges that lasted for years.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
In classrooms around the world, group assignments are designed to teach collaboration but often spark conflict. Science projects, history presentations, and literature reports have all led to fights over effort, credit, and leadership. These disagreements stay fresh in memory long after the grades are given, turning simple assignments into sources of lifelong resentment.
1. Science Fair Project
Lexie West on Wikimedia Commons
A high school biology project on plant growth ended with one student doing all the data collection. The others showed up only on presentation day, expecting equal credit. The resentment stayed because the student who worked the hardest felt completely taken advantage of. Many still remember that as the assignment that ruined trust in classmates.
2. History Timeline Presentation
ValtteriLahti12 on Wikimedia Commons
In a history class, students had to create a timeline of major events in World War II. Two group members fought constantly about which battles were important enough to include. Their arguments slowed progress and made the entire group miserable. The grade was lower because they spent more time fighting than finishing.
3. Chemistry Lab Report
Sanjaynegi on Wikimedia Commons
During a chemistry experiment, one member mixed the wrong chemicals and spoiled the test results. Instead of admitting the mistake, he blamed the group. The others had to redo the lab and stay late after class. The unfair blame created a grudge that lasted through the rest of high school.
4. Literature Analysis Presentation
Shane T. McCoy on Wikimedia Commons
In English class, a group was assigned to analyze a Shakespeare play. One member refused to read the play and relied on internet summaries. When presenting, he stumbled through his part and embarrassed the group. The frustration of working with someone unprepared caused lasting tension.
5. Geography Map Project
Tatakdh on Wikimedia Commons
Students had to design a large map showing trade routes. One member insisted on drawing everything himself but turned it in unfinished. The others received the same grade even though they had offered to help. The group never forgave him for wasting their chance at a higher mark.
6. Physics Bridge-Building Assignment
Richard Sutcliffe on Wikimedia Commons
In a physics project, students built a model bridge from sticks. Two members argued over design choices, refusing to compromise. Their fighting delayed construction, and the bridge broke during testing. The argument caused such anger that they refused to work together again.
7. Group Research Paper
World Intellectual Property Organization on Wikimedia Commons
A university sociology project required a long research paper. One student copied entire paragraphs from websites without citing them. The group almost failed due to plagiarism. The trust broken during that project lingered long after graduation.
8. Art Collage Project
T. (Théodore) on Wikimedia Commons
In an art class, students had to create a collaborative collage. One student tore apart another’s section because she thought it didn’t “fit the vision.” This sparked a shouting match in front of the teacher. The memory of that fight became a permanent grudge between them.
9. Debate Assignment
Asad on Wikimedia Commons
A class debate required groups to split sides and argue a position. Two members didn’t prepare and froze during their turn, costing the group points. The prepared students felt humiliated on stage. The embarrassment stayed with them long after the debate ended.
10. Computer Science Coding Project
Volker Agueras Gäng on Wikimedia Commons
In a programming course, one student was responsible for debugging. He never did the work, leaving the code full of errors. The others had to stay up all night before the deadline. The exhaustion and anger created a grudge that never went away.
11. History Documentary Video
Islahaddow on Wikimedia Commons
A group was asked to film a short documentary about a historical figure. One member kept the video equipment and never showed up to group meetings. The final video was rushed and poorly edited. The group blamed him for the disappointing grade.
12. Environmental Science Poster
Cpl. Thomas Mudd on Wikimedia Commons
For Earth Day, students had to make posters about climate change. One member decorated the poster but ignored the research part, leaving facts blank. The group scrambled to add information minutes before presenting. They never forgave her for caring more about looks than content.
13. Statistics Data Analysis
Aweaston on Wikimedia Commons
A statistics group collected survey data but one member faked responses instead of gathering real answers. When the teacher asked for evidence, the group was caught off guard. They almost lost their project grade because of his dishonesty. The rest of the group refused to work with him again.
14. Foreign Language Skit
Vehlada on Wikimedia Commons
In a French class, students had to perform a short play. One member refused to memorize lines and made up random words during the skit. The group was embarrassed in front of the class. That performance caused hard feelings that lasted through the course.
15. Biology Dissection Project
Kirill Tsukanov on Wikimedia Commons
During a frog dissection, one member refused to participate and instead made jokes. The others were left to complete the lab alone. His lack of seriousness made the group lose points for incomplete work. The frustration turned into a grudge that never faded.
16. Economics Presentation
MONUSCO Photos on Wikimedia Commons
A group assignment required building a mock business plan. Two members fought over who should present, each wanting the spotlight. Their conflict caused confusion during the actual presentation. The tension remained long after the assignment ended.
17. Capstone Thesis Project
Ann Arbor on Wikimedia Commons
In a final-year project, a group worked for months on a research paper. One student disappeared until the last week and then demanded his name be included. The others reluctantly agreed, but they never forgave the lack of effort. That project remained a source of bitterness years later.