CELPIP, Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
Compromising Project Quality for Budget: sample answer
A model answer to this exam-style CELPIP dealing with a difficult situation question, written to a level 10 target. See the question, the full answer and exactly why it works, then try it yourself.
- Task
- Dealing with a Difficult Situation
- Time
- 60s to prepare, 60s to speak
- Answer length
- 145 words, ~64s
- Written to
- Level 10 target
The question
Situation
You are a freelance architect working on a renovation project. Your new client, facing a very tight budget, is insisting on using significantly cheaper, lower-quality materials and, even more concerning, wants to skip critical safety inspections to save costs. This puts you in a difficult ethical and professional dilemma.
Task
Choose the best option to deal with this situation. Explain your choice and why you did not choose the other options.
- Option 1: Schedule a direct meeting with the client to explain the long-term risks associated with low-quality materials and the legal/safety implications of bypassing inspections, suggesting alternative cost-saving measures.
- Option 2: Firmly refuse to proceed with any work that compromises safety or quality, stating your professional obligation, and inform the client you will terminate the contract if they insist on these dangerous compromises.
- Option 3: Proceed with the project using the client's requested materials but discreetly try to incorporate some essential safety features or slightly higher quality materials without their explicit knowledge, hoping they won't notice.
Sample answer
Linking words are highlighted: they show the structure a rater follows.
I firmly believe that Option 1 is the most appropriate and responsible course of action in this challenging situation. My priority is to address the client's concerns while upholding professional standards. Firstly, scheduling a direct meeting allows for a constructive approach. I can clearly articulate the catastrophic implications of compromising on material quality and skipping safety inspections, emphasizing the legal liabilities and potential danger to future occupants. Secondly, this direct engagement provides an opportunity to explore alternative cost-saving measures that do not jeopardize structural integrity or safety, preserving the client relationship through transparent communication. Option 2, while demonstrating a firm stance, immediately escalates the situation to contract termination, which should be a last resort and forecloses dialogue. Option 3 is entirely unethical, as secretly altering plans without consent is a breach of trust with major legal repercussions. Therefore, a direct and educational discussion is essential.
145 words, about 64s spoken
Why it works
What you can measure in this answer, and what CELPIP raters mark.
- The right length. 145 words, about 64 seconds at a natural pace: inside the 60-second limit with room to finish calmly.
- Clear links between ideas: “therefore”, “firstly”, “secondly”, “while”. They make the answer easy to follow, which raters reward under coherence.
- 8 sentences in 64 seconds: complete thoughts at a steady pace, without rushing to fit more in.
How CELPIP marks dealing with a difficult situation
- Content & CoherenceLevel 1–12
Enough relevant ideas, organised clearly and supported with detail.
- VocabularyLevel 1–12
Words chosen precisely and appropriately for the topic.
- ListenabilityLevel 1–12
Rhythm, pronunciation, intonation and few distracting pauses or self-corrections.
- Task FulfillmentLevel 1–12
Answers every part, with the right tone and length.
Common questions
How long should a CELPIP Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation answer be?
You get 60 seconds to prepare and up to 60 seconds to speak. At a natural pace that's roughly 110 to 155 words. This sample is 145 words, about 64 seconds spoken.
How is CELPIP Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation scored?
CELPIP marks it on Content & Coherence, Vocabulary, Listenability, Task Fulfillment, each on a Level 1 to 12 scale. Your result for the task comes from these together.
Is this a real CELPIP question?
No. It's an original, exam-style question written to match the official format. Nobody can legally publish real test questions.
Should I memorise this answer?
No. Use it to see the structure, length and linking words that work, then answer in your own words. Memorised answers rarely fit a new question and raters notice.
Where can I practice this question and get a score?
Open it on PrepScroll: record or type your own answer and get an instant estimated score on each CELPIP criterion, with what to fix. It's free to start.
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