After having read the comments, I can definitely sympathize with the students. It brought back memories of when I was in the same position in history or English class when we had to read something and write our reaction to it but with little clear direction about what was expected of us or how the teacher would grade, and not really caring about the subject matter. I know the process that produced the comments, and I would probably write the same things in their position, but not out of deficient intelligence or writing skill -- rather, because I don't see the point, and I'm just trying to make it through the class.

When it's something I have to do to graduate, I am particularly resentful, even if I would have otherwise liked reading it.

Edit: Except for the grammar. Although if I never proofread my work, it would look bad, and for the reasons above I might not be motivated to do that much.