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CELPIP Speaking · Task 6

Task 6 practice course: Dealing with a Difficult Situation

Choose who to talk to, then explain a difficult decision to them politely, with reasons and a way forward. Work through six short steps, from how the task works to a timed answer, about 30 minutes in all. New to this task? Read the Task 6 format and strategy first.

6 steps60 s to prepare · 60 s to speakFree · no account needed
Illustration: dealing with a difficult situation in daily life
Step 1 of 6

Learn the task

How to organise your answer, what to do with your time, common mistakes and useful phrases, then a quick check.

Part 1 of 5

Pick one person, then acknowledge, explain, offer

You choose ONE of two people to talk to. Both choices can score 12: pick the one you have more reasons for. Whoever you choose, you are probably telling them something they don't want to hear, so the tone matters as much as the reasons.

Saying no to someone

Your brother asks to borrow money you need for something else.

  1. Name them and say no clearly but kindly
  2. Show you understand their side
  3. Two honest reasons
  4. Offer another way to help
  5. End with a question
Asking someone to change a plan

Ask the organiser to lower a gift limit without naming who can't afford it.

  1. Name them and thank them
  2. Say what you'd like to change
  3. Two reasons, keeping private things private
  4. A suggestion that keeps their goal
  5. Ask what they think
Speaking up for someone

Explain to a parent why their teenager's plan is reasonable.

  1. Name them and why you're calling
  2. What the other person wants and why it's fair
  3. How the risks can be handled
  4. What you'll do to help
  5. Ask for their decision

Task 6 cheat sheet

The key points of the course on one screen, to read again just before your test.

Your 60 seconds and 60 seconds

Before you speak (60 s)
  • Read the situation, then both options.
  • Choose in the first 15 seconds: the one you have two reasons for.
  • Note: their name, two reasons from the situation, one offer or suggestion.
While you speak (60 s)
  • Start with their name and a kind first sentence.
  • Use the facts in the situation as your reasons.
  • Soften hard news: "I'm really sorry, but...", "I was wondering if..."
Finishing
  • Offer something: another way to help, a compromise, a next step.
  • End with a question: "Would that work for you?"

Three mistakes that keep scores at CLB 7

  • Talking about the person, not to them. Speak to them: "Theo, I've thought about this a lot..."
  • Too direct. Soften it: "I'm really sorry, but I can't lend you the money right now."
  • Reasons from nowhere. Use what's in the situation: the leaking roof, the money owed to a friend.

Phrases for difficult conversations

  • Opening kindly: “I really appreciate you telling me.”, “I've thought about this a lot, and...”, “Thanks so much for organizing...”
  • Hard news, softened: “I'm really sorry, but...”, “The problem is that...”, “I was wondering if we could...”
  • Showing you understand: “I understand how stressful...”, “Please know it's not because I don't care.”, “...doesn't sound unreasonable.”
  • Offering: “Here's what I'd suggest.”, “That said, I'd still like to help.”, “If not, you're more than welcome to...”
  • Closing: “Would that work for you?”, “What do you think?”, “Let's talk about it tonight.”

Questions about Task 6

How do I organise a CELPIP Speaking Task 6 answer?

You choose ONE of two people to talk to. Both choices can score 12: pick the one you have more reasons for. Whoever you choose, you are probably telling them something they don't want to hear, so the tone matters as much as the reasons. Saying no to someone: Name them and say no clearly but kindly; Show you understand their side; Two honest reasons; Offer another way to help; End with a question. Asking someone to change a plan: Name them and thank them; Say what you'd like to change; Two reasons, keeping private things private; A suggestion that keeps their goal; Ask what they think. Speaking up for someone: Name them and why you're calling; What the other person wants and why it's fair; How the risks can be handled; What you'll do to help; Ask for their decision.

How should I use my time in CELPIP Speaking Task 6?

Before you speak (60 s): Read the situation, then both options. Choose in the first 15 seconds: the one you have two reasons for. Note: their name, two reasons from the situation, one offer or suggestion. While you speak (60 s): Start with their name and a kind first sentence. Use the facts in the situation as your reasons. Soften hard news: "I'm really sorry, but...", "I was wondering if..." Finishing: Offer something: another way to help, a compromise, a next step. End with a question: "Would that work for you?"

What mistakes lower a CELPIP Speaking Task 6 score?

Talking about the person, not to them. "I would tell Theo that..." is a report. The task is the conversation itself. Instead: Speak to them: "Theo, I've thought about this a lot..." Too direct. "You can't have the money" sounds harsh, and register is part of the score. Instead: Soften it: "I'm really sorry, but I can't lend you the money right now." Reasons from nowhere. Inventing new facts ignores the details the question gives you. Instead: Use what's in the situation: the leaking roof, the money owed to a friend.

Is this Task 6 course free?

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