CELPIP Speaking
Task 6 of 8
Dealing with a Difficult Situation
You're placed in an awkward situation — a complaint, a conflict, a tricky message to deliver — and you choose how to handle it out loud. Tone is half the task: firm but appropriate.
- to prepare
- 60 s
- to speak
- 60 s
- criteria scored
- 4
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What a Task 6 prompt looks like
An example written by Celpip Plus in the same shape as the real speaking task, with notes on how to read it.
Your friend lent you her bicycle for the weekend, and it was stolen while it was locked outside a cafénote 1. She needs it for a long ride next weeknote 2. Choose ONEnote 3: (a) Call your friend, explain what happened and offer to make it right. (b) Call the café manager and ask whether their security camera recorded the theft.
- 1 The problem: it happened while the bike was in your care, so take responsibility before you explain.
- 2 The pressure: a deadline. Whichever call you make, deal with next week's ride.
- 3 The choice: speak to one person only. Neither option scores higher, so pick the one you can say more about.
How to prepare for Dealing with a Difficult Situation
- Read the situation carefully to judge the right tone, since handling the interaction politely and appropriately is central to this task.
- Acknowledge the other person's position before stating yours, so your approach comes across as tactful rather than blunt.
- Aim for a diplomatic solution or clear stance, using softening language to keep the exchange respectful.
What raters listen for in Task 6
- Content/CoherenceExplains the problem, then a concrete plan, in an order the listener can follow.
- VocabularyTactful phrasing: "I'm really sorry to tell you", "Would it be possible to".
- ListenabilityCalm, steady delivery that sounds like a real call, not a recited list.
- Task FulfillmentSpeaks to the one person you chose, in a tone that suits them, and offers a solution.
For how the four criteria turn into a CELPIP level from 1 to 12, read How CELPIP Speaking is scored.
Keep going with Speaking Task 6
Practise on the real interface
The same screen, timer and controls as test day — rebuilt so nothing on the exam is a surprise.
Dealing with a Difficult Situation: frequently asked questions
Because the task puts you in an awkward or sensitive scenario, and choosing appropriate, tactful language is a big part of doing it well.
Usually both — be clear about your position while staying courteous, since a respectful but direct approach handles the situation best.
You get 60 seconds to prepare, then 60 seconds to speak in CELPIP Speaking Task 6.
They tend to be everyday but delicate scenarios where feelings or interests conflict, so you have to navigate the tension while getting your point across.
The rest of the Speaking test
- Giving Advice, 30 s to prepare, 90 s to speak
- Talking about a Personal Experience, 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak
- Describing a Scene, 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak
- Making Predictions, 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak
- Comparing and Persuading, 60 s to choose, 60 s to prepare, 60 s to speak
- Dealing with a Difficult Situation, 60 s to prepare, 60 s to speak
- Expressing Opinions, 30 s to prepare, 90 s to speak
- Describing an Unusual Situation, 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak