CELPIP, Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
Training Your Successor Before Layoff: 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
- 136 words, ~60s
- Written to
- Level 10 target
The question
Situation
You have just been informed that your position is being eliminated and you will be laid off in six weeks. Your manager has asked you to fully train your successor, who starts next week, ensuring a smooth transition. Despite feeling hurt and resentful, you are expected to maintain professionalism and deliver comprehensive training.
Task
Choose the best option to deal with this situation. Explain your choice and why you did not choose the other options.
- Option 1: Privately acknowledge and process your feelings of disappointment, then commit to training your successor thoroughly and professionally, seeing it as an opportunity to leave a positive legacy and secure strong references.
- Option 2: Refuse to train the new employee, citing the unfairness of the layoff, and demand an immediate severance package or a different role within the company, threatening to refuse cooperation otherwise.
- Option 3: Provide minimal and unenthusiastic training, offering only basic information and hoping the successor struggles, thereby demonstrating your indispensability or making the company regret its decision.
Sample answer
Linking words are highlighted: they show the structure a rater follows.
Considering this difficult situation, I would decisively choose Option 1: to privately acknowledge my feelings and then fully commit to training my successor professionally. This constructive approach is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it allows me to preserve my professional integrity and reputation, which is invaluable for future career opportunities and references. Leaving on good terms, despite the circumstances, demonstrates resilience and a strong work ethic. Secondly, by focusing on a smooth transition, I ensure my contributions leave a lasting positive legacy, rather than being overshadowed by resentment. Option 2, suggesting refusal or demands, is highly unprofessional and would severely damage my reputation, making future employment difficult. It's a destructive approach. Similarly, Option 3, providing minimal training, is passive-aggressive and undermines my professional integrity. Therefore, a constructive and professional approach is the only viable path forward.
136 words, about 60s spoken
Why it works
What you can measure in this answer, and what CELPIP raters mark.
- The right length. 136 words, about 60 seconds at a natural pace: inside the 60-second limit with room to finish calmly.
- Clear links between ideas: “therefore”, “firstly”, “secondly”, “similarly”. They make the answer easy to follow, which raters reward under coherence.
- 9 sentences in 60 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 136 words, about 60 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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