An intermediate-level textbook intended for those who have had at least 2 1/2 years of Chinese language study is presented. The objective of the text is to assist in developing the reading and conversational skills required for dealing with general topics in the pure and applied sciences. Common terms and concepts from three general fields (Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Engineering and Technology) are systematically introduced in the context of discussions about recent scientific achievements and trends in China. The 21 chapters deal with the following topics: basic and applied research; organization of scientific work; science education; biological and biomedical research; agricultural development; the development of physics, chemistry, earth sciences and engineering; the machine building industry; civil engineering; basic and applied research in medicine, agriculture, genetics, chemistry and physics; the electronics industry; the Anshan iron and steel works; development of energy resources; and the importance of science and technology in development. Each lesson consists of four parts: an essay, questions, discussion and a vocabulary list. The final part of the last three sections is a collection of original readings in the life sciences, the physical sciences, and engineering and technical innovation. (Author/AMH)