CELPIP Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation

CELPIP Speaking Task 6 Sample Answer: Borrowed Book Damaged

By David

You borrowed a book from a friend, but you accidentally damaged it. You’re now unsure how to approach the situation.

Preparation

60 seconds

Speaking

60 seconds

Choice

Speak to person A or person B

The question

You borrowed a book from a friend, but you accidentally damaged it. You’re now unsure how to approach the situation.

Choose ONE: EITHER Talk to your friend and explain that you accidentally damaged the book and offer to replace it. OR Talk to a friend and explain why you think you should just try to repair the book before mentioning it to the person who lent it to you.

Excellent answer (transcript): around CLB 11–12

I’m really upset about damaging the book I borrowed, and I know my friend will be disappointed. I’ll approach them, take full responsibility, and explain how it happened. I’ll apologize sincerely and offer to replace the book or reimburse them for it. I understand how important it is to them, and I’ll do whatever I can to make up for it. I hope they’ll appreciate my honesty and willingness to correct the mistake.

73 words

Good answer (transcript): around CLB 7–8

I feel really bad that I damaged the book I borrowed. I’m going to talk to my friend and explain what happened. I’ll apologize and offer to replace it. I know how important the book is to them, so I want to make it right.

45 words

Basic answer (transcript): around CLB 4–5

I’m going to talk to my friend and tell them I accidentally damaged the book. I’ll apologize and offer to buy a new one or replace it. I don’t want them to be upset.

34 words

The CLBs are estimates of the level each sample was written at, not official CELPIP scores. How we estimate CLB