They can assemble strings of jargon and generate clots of ventriloquistic syntax. They can meta-metastasize any thematic or ideological notion they happen upon. And they get good grades for doing just that. But as for writing clearly, simply, with attention and openness to their own thoughts and emotions and the world around them — no.
I noticed this back in the '70s when I was editing people's doctoral dissertations. The authors simply rearranged blocks of thought that been passed on to them in the classroom. It was unclear if the had ever thought about any of the material in a critical way. They all got their degrees, though.
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