CELPIP Speaking task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
In Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation, you're given an awkward or uncomfortable scenario and you need to explain a difficult decision, give clear reasons, offer a solution, and close the conversation politely. Unlike Task 5, there's no "right" option to pick between; instead, you're handling a real, sensitive conversation the way you would in daily life.
The task follows a simple structure: about one minute to prepare, and roughly a minute and a half to speak. In this blog, we'll walk through how to build a response using four building blocks — polite opener, reasons, solution, and closer — along with the vocabulary and connectors that make you sound natural and considerate rather than blunt.
Think of the task as:
READ THE SITUATION → PREPARE → SPEAK
Or, more specifically, the six-part structure you should aim to hit every time:
POLITE OPENER → REASON 1 → REASON 2 → REASON 3 (optional) → SOLUTION → CLOSER
Part 1: Understand the Situation
You'll be given a short scenario describing a conflict or an uncomfortable topic between you and someone else, along with two people you could choose to speak to (or one person and a clear point of view to defend). Before you do anything else, figure out:
Who am I speaking to?
What is the difficult news or request I need to deliver?
What does the other person want, and why might they be upset?
What's a realistic way to soften the blow?
Identify who you're speaking to and what makes the conversation difficult.
Part 2: Prepare — About 1 Minute
You won't have time to write full sentences, so jot down short notes using the six-part framework below.
The Six-Part Structure
1. Polite opener Ease into the topic gently instead of announcing the problem abruptly.
"I'm sorry to bring this up, but I need to talk to you about something."
2. Reason 1 Your first, strongest reason for the position you're taking.
3. Reason 2 A second, supporting reason.
4. Reason 3 (optional) If you have time, a third reason adds strength — but two solid reasons are enough if you're running short on time.
5. Solution This is the part many test-takers forget, and it's often what separates a good score from a great one. Always try to offer a solution, a compromise, or an alternative rather than just delivering bad news.
6. Closer End on a warm, respectful note that invites the listener to understand your side.
Part 3: Speak — About 1.5 Minutes
Now you combine your notes into a flowing, natural-sounding response. Use connecting words to move between reasons, and don't rush the solution — it's just as important as the reasons themselves.
Grammar and Vocabulary
Polite Openings
Talking to strangers:
Excuse me…
When you need to tell people how things will be:
I feel really bad about this, but…
I'm afraid to tell you this, but...
When talking about an awkward topic:
I'm sorry to bring this up, but…
Negotiating:
I wish you would…
Would you consider…
It would mean a lot to me if…
I was hoping…
Customer service:
Sorry for the inconvenience, but…
I'm really sorry you've had a bad experience with __________.
Connectors of Sequence and Addition
First of all, / besides, / additionally, / furthermore, / on top of that, / finally, / last but not least…
Solutions — Always Try to Offer One
Offering to help in some way ex/ We could offer to pay for a hotel.
Compromising ex/ How about coming to visit on weekends instead?
Alternative options ex/ Instead of staying here, why not find an Airbnb? It would be a lot more comfortable for you.
Closer Examples
I wish you would reconsider.
I hope you can agree with me.
I hope we can see eye to eye on this.
I hope you can understand.
Once again, we apologize for the inconvenience. (formal — business)
I hope you understand where I'm coming from. (= understand my reasons)
Example Task
Scenario: Your close friend is getting married this weekend, and you were really looking forward to attending. However, an urgent, unexpected project has come up at work, and your manager needs you to be there. You won't be able to make it to the wedding.
Talk to your friend and explain why you won't be able to attend his wedding.
Sample Prep Notes
Part | Notes |
Opener | feel really bad about this |
Reason 1 | urgent project came up at work, deadline this weekend |
Reason 2 | manager specifically asked me to be there, no one else can cover it |
Reason 3 | tried rearranging schedule, no way around it |
Solution | send a gift / video call during reception / take him out to celebrate afterward |
Closer | hope you understand, still so happy for him |
Sample Spoken Response
"Hey Greg, I feel really bad about this, but I need to tell you something about this weekend. I know I've been looking forward to your wedding for months, but an urgent project just came up at work, and I'm not going to be able to make it. First of all, my manager needs the whole team there this weekend because a client moved up a major deadline, and honestly, there's no one else who can step in for me. Besides that, I already tried rearranging my schedule and even asked if I could leave early, but it just isn't possible this time. I know that doesn't make it any easier, and I really wish the timing had worked out differently. That said, I don't want you to think I'm not there in spirit — how about I hop on a video call during the reception so I can still see you get married? And once things calm down at work, let me take you and your wife out for a proper celebration dinner, my treat. I hope you can understand where I'm coming from — I'm genuinely so happy for you, and am so sorry that I'll be missing out."
The Complete Task 6 Strategy
Stage | Time | What to Do |
Understand | — | Read the scenario, identify who you're speaking to and why it's difficult |
Prepare | ~1 minute | Jot down opener, 2–3 reasons, a solution, and a closer as short notes |
Speak | ~1.5 minutes | Open politely, give your reasons, offer a solution, close warmly |
Final Tips for Task 6
During preparation: Don't write a script — write keywords for each of the six parts: opener, reasons, solution, closer.
During speaking: Never skip the solution. A response that only explains the problem sounds harsh; a response that offers a way forward sounds considerate and earns a stronger score.
Most importantly, remember: Task 6 isn't about winning an argument — it's about handling a difficult conversation the way a thoughtful person would, with empathy, clear reasoning, and a genuine attempt at compromise.
Learn More or Get in Touch
At www.englishabilitycanada.com, we help students master CELPIP with 1-on-1 and group classes that fit your needs and schedule. From fluency coaching to detailed speaking feedback, we've got your back.
Comments