Choose the correct letter, A, B or C. According to Derrick, why do people undertake academic study?

A: So, Derrick, what do you think about your essay title?
D: ’Money is not the only measure of success in life’... Mmm, I don’t feel very inspired somehow. I’m struggling with ideas at the moment. What do you think, Eden?
E:  Well, there’s certainly plenty you can say on the topic but it’s evidence and examples to back up your argument that they’re looking for — have you got any?
A: I’m sure there must be plenty — even from your own life experiences. You must know some successful people who aren’t necessarily wealthy, Derrick?
D: I suppose so. I mean, you can be successful but that doesn’t always mean you are fantastically paid Take nurses, for example — they aren’t paid well but do a very worthwhile job. You can’t say they’re not successful, can you?
E: That’s true. But with many jobs good pay does equal success — most top businessmen and bankers get really high salaries and what about top sportsmen and women? Some footballers earn a fortune.
D: Yes, but that doesn’t mean success always equals money. There are plenty of examples to disprove that claim, I think.
A: Yes, what about all the people who do things for no pay at all — volunteers and people who do things for charity? A friend of my mother’s has been volunteering at a local youth group for years. She works full-time too but isn’t well-off and she puts in hours of her free time every week I would definitely say she’s a success. I think you should be able to measure someone’s success by what they give back to society.
E: I don’t think it’s the only way to be successful though. There are different types of success I suppose. Material success is certainly one of the most obvious tangible ways of judging success. If someone owns a big house and drives a fast car, you automatically assume they’re successful.
D: But they might not have earned that money. It could be inherited or won in the lottery.
A: Or stolen!
D: Exactly! Not all rich people have earned or even deserve their wealth so can you say they’re successful?
E: What about stars and singers then? Most of them are rich and successful.
A: And all extremely talented! Mmm. Some famous people just rely on good looks or luck to get them where they are. And there are some very gifted actors who never get to Hollywood and make millions of dollars. Does that mean they’re not successful?
E: I think we’re forgetting something important. What about academic achievement and success? That’s got nothing to do with wealth.
A: But it has — if you do well at school and university, you’re more likely to go on to get a well-paid job later in life.
E: Yes, but my point is that you can be a success at a young age through what you do at school. And, although that may have a bearing on what happens later in your life, at that stage it’s not about money, is it?
A: I suppose not. And nowadays academic achievement is no guarantee for finding a good job anyway — so many graduates seem to struggle to find work. And not everyone studies in order to improve their career chances. Some people just do it for pleasure.
D: Absolutely — or to add to their skills and knowledge and improve themselves as individuals. It’s true not everyone views academic study as a pathway to a money-making career. I have a friend who’s recently finished a Master’s degree and now wants to do a PhD and for him, it’s all about his passion for his subject. I don’t think he’s even thought about what he’ll do at the end of it all.
E: And it’s not just academic success either. There are all sorts of other things you can be successful at that don’t necessarily bring you wealth What about sporting achievements and music?
A: Mm, and success in your personal life — your family — that’s so important to many people. You know what they say: money can’t bring you happiness. I know lots of people who would rather be in a happy, fulfilling relationship than be rolling in money.
E: I’d like both!
A: Well, ideally I suppose most people would. But seriously, there’s enough evidence to prove the theory wrong, don’t you think?