What is the benefit of thinking and writing in school? Forcing the populace to do these tasks doesn't seem to have a beneficial effect. English degrees are out

What is the benefit of thinking and writing in school? Forcing the populace to do these tasks doesn't seem to have a beneficial effect. English degrees are out of jobs and my courses in English I'd call absolutely useless. I remember doing all the work for a group project because it was easier for everyone who would just copy and paste wikipedia to me. I'd have to see the value of these essays if there are any. I have yet to see any evidence they do anything except occasionally put people's heads in the clouds.