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CELPIP Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation

CELPIP Speaking Task 6 Sample Answer: Refusing to Lend Car to Neighbor

By David

Your neighbor has asked to borrow your car for a quick errand, but you're uncomfortable due to past experiences with lending and insurance concerns. They're in a bind and persistent. You must decline politely to…

Preparation
60 seconds
Speaking
60 seconds
Choice
Speak to person A or person B

The question

Your neighbor has asked to borrow your car for a quick errand, but you're uncomfortable due to past experiences with lending and insurance concerns. They're in a bind and persistent. You must decline politely to preserve neighborly relations.

Choice:

Either

Talk to the neighbor and explain your insurance limitations, offering alternative help like a ride share recommendation.

OR

Talk to the neighbor and explain your personal policy against lending vehicles, suggesting they use public transport.

Excellent answer (transcript): around CLB 11–12

Thank you for reaching out about borrowing the car—it's flattering that you thought of me—but upon reflection, I must decline due to stringent insurance restrictions that exclude non-household drivers, coupled with my own caution from prior lending mishaps. I empathize with your immediate need and regret any added stress this causes in your day. To assist alternatively, I'm willing to cover the cost of a rideshare service or accompany you if timing aligns, ensuring a safe and swift solution. Your consideration of my boundaries strengthens our community ties, and I'm here for other neighborly favors

95 words

Good answer (transcript): around CLB 7–8

I appreciate you asking, but I'm afraid I have to say no to lending the car—my insurance policy strictly limits coverage to myself, and I can't risk any complications. I know you're in a hurry, and I'm sorry if this puts you out. As an option, how about I help book an Uber for you, or perhaps recommend a nearby rental service? Let's find another way to get you where you need to be.

74 words

Basic answer (transcript): around CLB 4–5

Sorry, I can't lend you my car. My insurance doesn't cover others driving it. It's too risky. Maybe you can take a bus instead. Hope you understand.

27 words

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

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