I was born and grew up 400 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, didn't know any English until the fifth grade. I could not speak some broken English until the 12th grade (Mor Sor 5).
There is one thing I'd like to share with you that without strong grammar, accurate tenses and vocabulary, you can not and will not be successful in learning English. Speaking needs practice and practice makes perfect.
Who would have thought a dirty little kid who ran along side the train and walked a few kilometers through the rice field to school became a CEO and a company's president in the United States? I am now retired and living a good life but my dream will not be fulfilled unless I come back to Thailand to share my experiences with the youth to inspire and guide them to the right direction with some good scholarships.
Make it simple and easy. Don't be shy to speak, read or write because we always learn from the mistakes. Big words are not necessary to show your ability as long as you make other people understand what you are trying to communicate.
But it is important when it comes to English test that strong grammar plays a major role.
Always Bug Hum Noy