Skill that you learn. For things where you write essays or papers or thesis let me say
If you want a good grade- you learn early on to put what the teacher WANTS to hear- unless its an opinion paper- but even then- you can sense what they want usually
for instance if the professer is religious, dont write a pro-choice paper unless the teacher is FAIR- and many arent.
One of my earliest lessons was the question
explain the major cause of the civil war?
Well i can think of good reason for the civil war ( slavery) but true thats connected to economics ( cheap labor). but all through the course the teacher emphazied economics .... so you know what - write about economics
if you know what the teacher WANTS
it doesnt matter if its right or wrong
put that down. and next year- if a teacher says the opposite, put that down
most teachers i know are control freaks- no arguing- dont question them ( the good ones LIKE that- because it shows you are learning!) but most dont- so dont try