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