The seriousness of the situation can be
illustrated by data. For instance, in 2005, 44% students failed
the Italian language test at the University of Venice (Ca’
Foscari) and 25 % of the answers to questions simultaneously
testing language and logical abilities was incorrect; the
institution responded by organising a Written Italian Service
(SIS) for students, including a 30 hours course aimed at
“enabling students to learn the bases of Italian language up to
attaining expression and writing abilities including complex
discourses”.