It is not so easy if in your native language stress ALWAYS is on the first syllable :PIt is important not to confuse word "писАть" (to write) with "пИсать" (to pee).
My russian teacher reminded this couple of times, but stress in russian is still a mystery to me.
I haven't taken any courses in Russian - only 3 years at school - that's all.
I think my understanding is ~B1-B2, but speaking/writing - A1 at best.