A comprehensive intermediate Italian language course, designed to build proficiency in all four language skills - listening, reading, speaking and writing - and to expand students' cultural knowledge of contemporary Italy. The text focuses on using the language in meaningful contexts rather than merely memorising abstract concepts. Grammar and vocabulary are taught throughout the book for their communicative value and not as ends in themselves. The chapters are organized thematically, and cover modern subjects representing Italian life - including family, childhood and youth, future perspectives, traditions, vacations, cities and provinces, history, government, economy, social questions, mass media and publicity.