Skip to content
Practice free

CELPIP, Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation

Unexpected Godparent Request: 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.

Practice Dealing with a Difficult Situation freeRead the answer
Task
Dealing with a Difficult Situation
Time
60s to prepare, 60s to speak
Answer length
144 words, ~64s
Written to
Level 10 target

The question

Situation

Your close friend has just asked you to be the godparent to their newborn, an unexpected and significant request. You don't feel a strong spiritual connection to the child and are truly unsure if you can commit to the long-term responsibilities, but declining might deeply hurt your cherished friendship.

Task

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

  • Option 1: Meet with your friend privately and express your gratitude for their trust, but honestly and gently explain your reservations about fully committing to the role at this time, offering alternative ways to support them and the child.
  • Option 2: Accept the role enthusiastically to avoid immediate conflict, but then privately complain to other mutual friends about the unexpected burden, hoping word gets back to your friend indirectly.
  • Option 3: Avoid discussing the topic with your friend, hoping they forget or find someone else, and only give vague, non-committal answers if they bring it up again.

Sample answer

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

Without a doubt, I would opt for Option 1. It is the most mature and constructive approach to navigating this delicate situation while preserving a valuable friendship. An honest, face-to-face conversation allows me to express genuine gratitude for their trust while candidly articulating my reservations about embracing such a significant, long-term commitment. This transparency fosters understanding rather than resentment. By offering alternative forms of support, I can still demonstrate my love for their child and dedication to our friendship. Option 2, involving gossip, is highly inappropriate and damaging. It is a cowardly approach that escalates conflict and betrays trust. Similarly, Option 3, which advocates avoidance, is merely a temporary deferral that shows disrespect and allows the situation to fester. A direct conversation, although difficult, is far more respectful. Therefore, open dialogue is the only way to navigate this challenge successfully and preserve our relationship.

144 words, about 64s spoken

Why it works

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

  • The right length. 144 words, about 64 seconds at a natural pace: inside the 60-second limit with room to finish calmly.
  • Clear links between ideas: “therefore”, “although”, “while”, “similarly”. They make the answer easy to follow, which raters reward under coherence.
  • 10 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.

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 144 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.

More Dealing with a Difficult Situation sample answers

All 10 Dealing with a Difficult Situation sample answers

Now try a dealing with a difficult situation question yourself

Speak your answer and get an instant estimated CELPIP level with what to fix. Free to start, nothing to install.

Practice Dealing with a Difficult SituationMore sample answers