This is an intermediate Italian programme, consisting of a grammar review integrated with readings, including cultural pieces, articles from popular Italian magazines and selections from literature. Throughout the text contemporary culture and communicative use of language are emphasized. The readings establish the topics and vocabulary of each chapter, which are further developed by the grammar explanations, the exercises, the interactive and realia-based activities and the writing section. Practice material progresses within each grammar point from form-focused exercises, where students develop confidence, to more open-ended, interactive activities, where they develop speaking ability. Students' reading skills are developed in the pre-reading sections which contain both global discussion questions to get students thinking about a topic, as well as concrete, specific strategies for reading.