Task 6 — Dealing with a Difficult Situation

What you'll learn: why Task 6 is really two mini-tasks in one (explain a problem, then respond to a person about it), a structure that keeps both parts balanced, and the polite-but-firm tone that raters expect.

What Task 6 actually tests

Task 6 presents an awkward or difficult situation involving another person — a noisy neighbor, a coworker who missed a deadline that affects you, a friend who borrowed something and hasn't returned it — and you get 60 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to respond, usually speaking as if directly to that person (leaving them a voicemail, explaining a problem to their face). This task is unusual because it blends description (what's the problem) with interpersonal tone (how do you raise it without being either too passive or too aggressive). Task Fulfillment requires actually addressing the situation with the person, not just narrating it to a neutral listener.

The problem-plus-resolution structure

1. Open with context, addressing the person directly if the prompt implies that (e.g., "Hi Sam, it's me...").
2. State the problem clearly but without excessive blame — describe impact, not just complaint.
3. Propose a specific solution or ask, not just a vague complaint.
4. Soften the tone with an acknowledging or empathetic line.
5. Close with a clear next step.

Worked example

Prompt: "Your neighbor's music has been very loud late at night for the past week, and it's affecting your sleep. You decide to talk to them about it. What would you say?"

Hey, do you have a minute? I wanted to bring something up, and I hope it doesn't come across the wrong way. Over the past week or so, I've noticed the music from your apartment has been pretty loud, especially late at night, sometimes past midnight, and it's been making it hard for me to fall asleep before work the next morning. I get that everyone likes to unwind differently, and I'm not trying to tell you what to do in your own space, but I was wondering if you'd be able to keep it a bit quieter after around 11 p.m., or maybe use headphones if you're up later than that. I really appreciate you hearing me out on this, and if there's ever anything on my end that's bothering you, please feel free to mention it too — I'd rather we just talk things through directly. Thanks a lot, and I hope we can figure out something that works for both of us.

This names the specific problem (timing, impact on sleep) without accusatory language, proposes a concrete, reasonable solution (quiet after 11 p.m. or headphones), and closes on a collaborative note rather than a demand.

Tone phrase bank

• Raising the issue gently: "I wanted to bring something up...", "I hope this doesn't come across the wrong way, but...", "I noticed that..."
• Proposing a fix: "Would it be possible to...", "I was wondering if we could...", "Maybe we could try..."
• Softening: "I get that...", "I know this isn't intentional, but...", "I appreciate you hearing me out."

Timing plan for 60 seconds

• 0–10s: Context/opening
• 10–30s: State the problem + impact
• 30–45s: Propose the solution
• 45–60s: Soften + close

Common mistakes

• Being too aggressive or blunt ("You need to stop doing this") — this hurts Listenability's naturalness and doesn't reflect realistic, considerate speech.
• Being so vague or apologetic that no actual problem or solution is ever stated — this misses Task Fulfillment.
• Forgetting to speak to the person named in the prompt and instead narrating the situation in the third person to an imaginary neutral audience.

Recap

Task 6 is a balancing act between clearly naming a real problem and staying considerate toward the person you're addressing. The problem-plus-resolution structure — context, problem with impact, specific proposed fix, softening line, clear close — keeps both halves proportionate, and the tone phrase bank keeps the delivery realistic rather than either too timid or too confrontational.