Frank tells Rita the story of the theology student so that she can realize that learning and going to University has its rules.
Unfortunately, you cannot do whatever you want(or write in this case); you have to stick to the rules that the professor imposes so that you can pass.
Sometimes you need the skill to "blend in" because that is what the professors, the University is asking for.
As Frank says, playing to be smart or clever is not the answer: that can get you into trouble.
I believe this story helps Rita to understand life a little bit more and not about just the fact of how to write an essay.
She learns that life has its rules and in some subjects is no good to break them.
In mi opinion, wanting to learn is absolutely key to start University, having that motivation is absolutely important but there are other things to take into account to start learning: TO KNOW THE SYSTEM.
If you understand how the system works, you can get into this game that is called LIFE.
Act 1, Scene 3&4 - Question 2
