Why do high schoolers scribble such pablum?

<p>Just a few themes off the top of my head:</p>

<ol>
<li>Despite Racial/Religious Differences, We're All Alike Inside</li>
<li>I Have Grown To Understand That There Are Poor People In The World</li>
<li>If You Work Hard, You Can Achieve Your Dreams</li>
<li>My Sports Team Has Taught Me So Much/Basketball Is A Metaphor For Life</li>
</ol>

<p>Etc...</p>