CELPIP Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
Task 6 tests your ability to handle a problem or conflict calmly. You have 60 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to explain the issue and propose solutions while staying polite and diplomatic.
Practice Task 6 FreeTask 6 Overview
Preparation Time
60 seconds
Speaking Time
60 seconds
In Task 6, you handle a problem or conflict calmly and propose solutions. The key skill being tested is your ability to stay polite and diplomatic while being assertive. You need to acknowledge the problem, explain how it affects you, and suggest a reasonable resolution or compromise.
Task 6 Response Template
- 1Opening: Acknowledge the problem clearly and calmly.
- 2Solution 1: Propose your first step to resolve it.
- 3Solution 2: Offer an additional step or compromise.
- 4Tone: Stay polite, calm, and solution-focused throughout.
Sample Prompts and Answers
Prompt:
You ordered food at a restaurant 45 minutes ago and it still has not arrived. Other tables that ordered after you have already received their meals. Talk to the server.
Sample Answer:
Excuse me, I am sorry to bother you, but I wanted to check on the status of my order. I placed it about 45 minutes ago, and I have noticed that a few tables that came in after me have already received their food. I understand that the kitchen is probably very busy tonight, and I know these things happen. However, I do have somewhere to be later this evening, so I would really appreciate it if you could check with the kitchen and let me know how much longer it might take. If the meal is going to be significantly delayed, I wonder if it might be possible to either expedite it or perhaps adjust the bill to reflect the wait time. I want to be reasonable about this, and I am not looking to make a fuss. I really enjoy coming to this restaurant, and I am sure this is just an unusual situation. I would appreciate your help in sorting this out. Thank you so much.
Prompt:
Your neighbour plays loud music every night until midnight, and it is affecting your sleep. Talk to your neighbour about this problem.
Sample Answer:
Hi, I hope you do not mind me coming over. I wanted to talk to you about something that has been bothering me a little. I have noticed that music plays quite loud from your apartment most nights until very late. I understand that everyone likes to enjoy their music, and I do not want to cause any problems between us. However, I work early in the morning and I have been having trouble sleeping because of the noise. It has been affecting my work and I am feeling very tired during the day. Would it be possible to turn the music down after maybe 10 pm? Or maybe you could use headphones for late night listening? I think that would work well for both of us. I really appreciate you listening to me, and I hope we can find a solution that works for everyone. Thank you.
Task 6 Tips
- 1
Never sound angry or aggressive
Even though the situation is difficult, your tone must stay calm and polite. Sounding frustrated or demanding will lower your score significantly.
- 2
Acknowledge the other person's perspective
Phrases like "I understand that..." and "I know these things happen" show empathy and make you sound mature and diplomatic.
- 3
Propose at least two solutions
Offering multiple options shows flexibility. For example, "Would it be possible to... or perhaps..." gives the other person choices and makes resolution more likely.
- 4
End on a positive note
Close with appreciation or a hopeful statement like "I appreciate your help" or "I am sure we can work this out." This shows confidence and leaves a good impression.
Related CELPIP Resources
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