This is a collection of 60 graded passages in Italian from non-literary sources, selected from a wide variety of publications e.g. L'Espresso, Epoca, Il Tempo and Tempi Moderni. The compilers have selected material covering the most important areas of specialised linguistic usage and throughout are concerned with the role of language as communication, rather than as a literary study. The passages, about 500-600 words in length, are accompanied by questions and exercises, both oral and written, and suggestions on how the material can most effectively be used. All the passages are suitable for translation work; the exercises that are provided are designed to ensure a more active competence in using structures than translation alone can provide.