Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation

What happens in Task 6

• The prompt describes a dilemma, for example you promised to help two people on the same day.
• You choose who to talk to and explain your choice tactfully.

Tips for a higher score

• Open politely and get to the point quickly.
• Give a clear reason and offer an alternative or compromise.
• Use softening language: "I'm really sorry, but...", "Would it be possible...?".

Common mistakes

• Talking about both people instead of speaking to the one you chose.

Task 6 template

1. Opening. Greet the person you chose and gently bring up the topic. About 5–10 seconds.
   • Hi Sam, do you have a minute? There's something I need to talk to you about.
   • Hey, I'm glad I caught you.
   • I wanted to talk to you before...
   • This is a bit awkward, but...
2. Explain the situation. Say clearly what the problem or decision is, without blaming anyone. About 15 seconds.
   • The thing is,...
   • I just found out that...
   • I've realized that I double-booked myself.
   • I've noticed that...
3. Give your reason. Explain why you've made this decision, showing you've considered the other person's feelings. About 15 seconds.
   • The reason is...
   • I know this isn't what you were hoping for, but...
   • I really didn't want to let you down, but...
   • I hope you understand that...
4. Offer a solution. Suggest an alternative or compromise so the relationship stays positive. About 15 seconds.
   • How about if I...?
   • Would it be possible to...?
   • To make it up to you, I could...
   • What if we...
5. Closing. Apologise or thank them again and check that they're okay with the plan. About 5 seconds.
   • Again, I'm really sorry.
   • Thanks so much for understanding.
   • Would that work for you?
   • Let me know what you think.

Task 6 vocabulary and useful phrases

Sample question and answer

Sample answer (transcript): estimated CLB 9–10

Why it scores well

• Task Fulfillment: Speaks only to Carlos, explains the decision and offers real solutions, using most of the 60 seconds.
• Content/Coherence: Moves from a gentle opening to the reason, then to two concrete alternatives, and closes by checking with Carlos.
• Vocabulary: Tactful, softening language such as "I really hate to do this", "letting you down" and "if you'd rather".
• Listenability: Warm, natural phrasing that sounds like a real conversation, with accurate grammar throughout.

The same question at a lower level

Sample answer (transcript): estimated CLB 5–6

What holds it back

• Task Fulfillment: Speaks only to Carlos and gives the reason, but the answer is very short and doesn't help him solve the problem.
• Content/Coherence: The bad news comes in the first sentence with no lead-in, and the "solution" just tells Carlos to sort it out himself.
• Vocabulary: Repeats "sorry" instead of using softening phrases such as "I really hate to do this, but..." or "Would it help if I...?".
• Listenability: Clear words, but grammar slips ("her babysitter cancel") and the blunt tone make it sound careless.

These are original CELPass examples. The CLBs are our estimates, not official CELPIP scores.

More Task 6 sample answers (66 questions)

Each question has a plan and three sample answers, around CLB 4–5, 7–8 and 11–12, with notes on each level.

• Using Your Employee Discount for a Friend
• Team Member Leaving Early
• Free Babysitting for a Friend
• Neighbour’s Backyard Fire Pit
• Mother’s New Partner
• Apartment Noise Complaint
• Apologizing for Deleting a Coworker's Email
• Being Late to Work Due to Traffic
• Borrowed Book Damaged
• Breaking a Roommate's Kitchen Utensil
• Bus Route Change
• Canceling a Volunteer Shift

All Task 6 sample answers

Task 6 practice questions

1. You promised to help your friend Mei move to her new apartment on Saturday. Then your manager asks you to work an extra shift that day because a coworker is sick. Choose ONE: talk to Mei and explain why you can't help her move, OR talk to your manager and explain why you can't work the extra shift.
2. Your roommate often has friends over late at night, and you have an early exam next week. Your other roommate wants you to bring it up together at a house meeting. Choose ONE: talk to the roommate who has guests and ask them to change, OR talk to your other roommate and explain why you'd rather not do it at a meeting.
3. Your sister has asked you to be in charge of planning your parents' anniversary party. At the same time, your best friend has invited you on a trip that weekend that you already paid a deposit for. Choose ONE: talk to your sister, OR talk to your best friend.
4. A coworker, Raj, has asked you to cover his presentation while he is on vacation. Your team leader has also just asked you to finish an urgent report by the same day. Choose ONE: talk to Raj and explain why you can't cover his presentation, OR talk to your team leader and ask for more time on the report.
5. Your neighbour asked if her son could practise drums in your garage, and you agreed. Now your partner is upset because the noise disturbs their work-from-home calls. Choose ONE: talk to your neighbour about changing the arrangement, OR talk to your partner and explain why you want to keep your promise.

Speaking Task 6 questions, answered

More CELPIP Speaking

• Task 1: Giving Advice
• Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience
• Task 3: Describing a Scene
• Task 4: Making Predictions
• Task 5: Comparing and Persuading
• Task 7: Expressing Opinions (next)
• Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation