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CELPIP Speaking Course · Lesson 7 of 10

Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation

By CELPass Editorial Team · 2 min read · Updated

Task 6 puts you in an awkward position and asks you to choose one of two people to speak to. It tests whether you can explain a problem and offer a solution with the right tone.

Read both choices, pick the clearer one

The prompt describes a situation, for example you promised to help a friend move but your boss now needs you at work, and offers two options: speak to person A to explain one thing, or speak to person B to explain another. Choose the conversation you can develop more easily. There is no better or worse choice for scoring.

A structure for tactful conversations

  1. Greet and soften: "Hi Sam, do you have a minute? There's something I need to talk to you about."
  2. Explain the situation honestly, with the reason.
  3. Show you understand how it affects them: "I know you were counting on me."
  4. Offer a solution or compromise: another day, someone else who can help, paying for something.
  5. Close warmly: thank them or apologise again.

Tone matters more here

Raters notice whether you sound like you are really speaking to that person. Use polite softeners (I'm afraid, I was wondering if, would it be possible to) with a boss or stranger, and warmer language with a friend. Avoid blaming the listener even if the situation is their fault.

Key points

  • Pick the conversation that is easier to develop.
  • Soften, explain, empathise, offer a solution, close.
  • Match your tone to the person you chose.

Exercise

Make each sentence more tactful.

  1. "I can't come to your party. Sorry."
  2. "You gave me the wrong schedule."
  3. "I want a different shift."
Show answers
  1. "I'm really sorry, but I won't be able to make it on Saturday. My shift was changed at the last minute. Could I take you out for dinner next week to celebrate instead?"
  2. "I think there may have been a mix-up with the schedule I received. Could we check it together?"
  3. "I was wondering if it would be possible to switch to the morning shift, because my daughter's daycare closes at five."

Practise with free questions

Free questions in the CELPIP format, with answers and no account needed. Try a few now, while the lesson is fresh.

All lessons in this course

  1. How CELPIP Speaking Is Scored
  2. Planning Your Answer in 30 Seconds
  3. One Answer Structure for Every Task
  4. Tasks 1 and 2: Giving Advice and Telling a Story
  5. Tasks 3, 4 and 8: Describing Pictures and Making Predictions
  6. Task 5: Comparing and Persuading
  7. Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
  8. Task 7: Expressing and Supporting Your Opinion
  9. Fluency, Pronunciation and Pauses
  10. Common Speaking Mistakes and Your Test-Day Routine

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