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CELPIP, Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation

Ignored by Texting Employee: 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.

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Task
Dealing with a Difficult Situation
Time
60s to prepare, 60s to speak
Answer length
123 words, ~55s
Written to
Level 10 target

The question

Situation

You urgently need assistance in a busy department store to complete an important purchase, but the only visible employee is completely engrossed in texting on their phone. Despite your attempts to make eye contact, they remain oblivious, leaving you feeling ignored and frustrated.

Task

Choose the best option to deal with this situation. Explain your choice and why you did not choose the other options.

  • Option 1: Politely approach the employee and say, 'Excuse me, I really need some help with something urgent. Would you be available to assist me?'
  • Option 2: Immediately find a store manager or call the customer service line to report the employee's unprofessional behaviour and demand assistance.
  • Option 3: Wait patiently for the employee to finish texting, hoping they will eventually notice you, or try to find assistance elsewhere in the store.

Sample answer

Linking words are highlighted: they show the structure a rater follows.

I would definitely choose Option 1, which involves politely approaching the employee and directly requesting assistance. This is the most constructive approach. My primary reason is that it provides an immediate and civil resolution to my urgent need. By directly communicating, I offer the employee a chance to rectify their oversight and assist me. Secondly, it avoids unnecessary confrontation, preserving a potentially positive interaction while addressing the issue directly. I would strongly advise against Option 2, immediate escalation. While their behaviour is unprofessional, reporting them prematurely is an overreaction. Similarly, Option 3, waiting patiently, is impractical given my urgent purchase and might not even lead to assistance. Therefore, a direct yet courteous request for help is clearly the most judicious course of action.

123 words, about 55s spoken

Why it works

What you can measure in this answer, and what CELPIP raters mark.

  • The right length. 123 words, about 55 seconds at a natural pace: inside the 60-second limit with room to finish calmly.
  • Clear links between ideas: “therefore”, “secondly”, “while”, “similarly”. They make the answer easy to follow, which raters reward under coherence.
  • 9 sentences in 55 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.

Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation guide

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 123 words, about 55 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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