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CELPIP, Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation

The Unspoken Tab: 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
140 words, ~62s
Written to
Level 10 target

The question

Situation

You're having dinner with a close friend, and the bill arrives. Despite your usual practice of splitting costs, your friend is now subtly hinting that you should pay for everything, apparently due to your recent promotion and salary increase. This unexpected expectation is making you feel uncomfortable and exploited.

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 and privately ask your friend about their expectation regarding the bill, reminding them of your usual arrangement to split costs.
  • Option 2: Publicly challenge your friend's assumption at the table, stating loudly that you always split the bill and refuse to pay for their portion.
  • Option 3: Silently pay the entire bill to avoid an awkward confrontation, hoping your friend will acknowledge it later or reciprocate in the future.

Sample answer

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

Without hesitation, I choose Option 1 to politely and privately ask my friend about their expectation regarding the bill, reminding them of our usual arrangement to split costs. This is the most constructive approach because it allows for open communication, which is crucial in any close friendship, enabling us to clear up any misunderstanding before it festers. It also sets a clear boundary for future interactions, ensuring our friendship remains based on mutual respect rather than unspoken assumptions. I reject Option 2, which involves publicly challenging my friend at the table, because such an escalatory approach would create an awkward rift in our relationship. Similarly, Option 3, silently paying the entire bill, is a passive strategy that encourages exploitative behavior and builds deep resentment. A calm, direct conversation is always the most effective path to resolution and maintaining cherished relationships.

140 words, about 62s spoken

Why it works

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

  • The right length. 140 words, about 62 seconds at a natural pace: inside the 60-second limit with room to finish calmly.
  • Clear links between ideas: “similarly”, “because”. They make the answer easy to follow, which raters reward under coherence.
  • 6 sentences in 62 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 140 words, about 62 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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