CELPIP, Speaking
CELPIP Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
You choose how to handle an awkward situation and speak to the person involved.
Format and scoring
| Skill | Speaking |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 60 seconds |
| Response time | Up to 60 seconds |
| How it's scored | Scored on content and coherence, vocabulary, listenability and task fulfillment. |
| Weight (estimate) | About 13% of your speaking score |
How to answer Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
- 1Choose one option and say who you're speaking to.
- 2Explain the situation politely.
- 3Give your reasons and a solution.
Common mistakes
- A tone that's too blunt for a sensitive situation.
Sample question
Neighbour's appointment vs. client meeting
Weeks ago, you promised your elderly neighbour, Mrs. Kowalski, that you would drive her to an important specialist appointment at 9 a.m. this Friday. She waited four months for the appointment and has no one else to take her. Yesterday, your manager, Karen, told you that you must present to a major new client at 9:30 a.m. on Friday.
Choose ONE of the following options and speak to that person.
Show a model answer (Level 12)
Hi Karen, do you have a minute? I wanted to talk to you about Friday's client presentation. First of all, I'm really glad you trust me with it, and I know how important this client is. The problem is that, weeks ago, I promised to drive my elderly neighbour, Mrs. Kowalski, to a specialist appointment at nine on Friday morning. She doesn't drive, she has no family nearby, and she waited four months for this appointment, so I really can't let her down. I'd like to suggest a couple of solutions. Could we move the meeting to the afternoon? I'll be back by eleven at the latest. If the client can't change the time, I could finish the slides by Thursday and walk Jason through them so he can present, and I'd join by phone for the questions. I'm sorry for the inconvenience, and I'll make sure the presentation is ready no matter what.