I wonder what technique you are using to memorise new words. I have no problem with reading- I recognise many formal, complicated words (having read several Henry James novels:) ) and when I come across new word I am usually able to work out its meaning from context- so, while reading I feel like I know the language pretty well (lets say on advanced level) but when it comes to speaking, all my confidence is gone and I wonder how to express the simpliest things. I seem to remember new word, I even can think up one or two sentences with it- but the chances that this word will come to my mind during actual conversation are almost none. Is any of you is experiencing similiar problem? When I read or test my vocabulary I seem to know a lot. When I imagine a real situation or have a real conversation my mind goes blank. The other day I had been wondering several hours how to say that I would like to have a new bank account, considering using word "establish, launch" before it occured to me that it is as simple as "open bank account". I do read and I do watch movies, at least two movies a week. I listen to the radio - what more can I do? Have any of you been there?
