Thread: problems with placement tests!

A bit of a grumble here:

I've been studying Russian for only a year, but I tend to be good at taking tests, and I've learned grammar pretty well. However, in one year of studying I can learn only so much vocabulary, especially since a lot of it was self study.

Now I'm in Russia, and I've twice taken placement tests at language schools. The first time, I "placed" above any of the school's classes. Now, I'm at a much bigger school with plenty of levels. However, I've placed into a class with students who have been studying four or five years.

I feel swamped, and a little discouraged. I don't know how to build my vocabulary fast enough! Probably if it proves too difficult, I'll just be moved down a level, and everything will be fine.

How do you quickly build an active vocabulary?

demoiselle

flashcards.

Here are a few suggestions.

Try taping the russian name on all your household items like cups, pans, plates etc.

Try taping a new word on your watch or cell phone every day. Everytime you look at your watch or cell, you will be forced to look at the word.

Listen to Russian music.

Read newspaper articles, books and magazines written in Russian.

I also like the Interlex vocab tutor program.

Если ты, как я, ленишься сделать карточки "flash", то используй программу Интерлекс. Она тебе послужит тем же образом без необходимости того, чтобы взять на себя труд приготовления карточек.

Originally Posted by basurero

Если ты, как я, ленишься сделать карточки "flash", то используй программу Интерлекс. Она тебе послужит тем же образом, без необходимости _ брать на себя труд приготовления карточек.

Originally Posted by basurero

Она тебе послужит таким же образом

I'm beyond the simple objects, the words I am studying now are abstract concepts ... the music surely will help once I've got the words in my head.

I'll try using the computer flash-card system. I prefer to make physical cards.

But where in Moscow can I buy index cards?? I haven't found them in a store yet. They must exist!!

Originally Posted by demoiselle

I'm beyond the simple objects, the words I am studying now are abstract concepts ... the music surely will help once I've got the words in my head.

I'll try using the computer flash-card system. I prefer to make physical cards.

But where in Moscow can I buy index cards?? I haven't found them in a store yet. They must exist!!

Just buy card stock, and cut it into as many cards as you like.
btw, I think Twinkle for Palm is the best flashcard review program today.