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CELPIP, Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation

Unpaid Roommate Bills: 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
142 words, ~63s
Written to
Level 10 target

The question

Situation

Your roommate, Alex, has consistently failed to pay their share of the monthly utility bills and rent for the past three months. This has put you in a difficult financial bind, as you've had to cover their portion, and it's causing significant stress and tension in your living situation.

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 serious, private conversation with your roommate to discuss their financial contributions, outlining the impact on you and seeking a clear payment plan and commitment.
  • Option 2: Inform your landlord about the unpaid bills and your roommate's refusal to pay, asking them to intervene and potentially evict your roommate.
  • Option 3: Avoid discussing the bills with your roommate and continue to cover their share, hoping they will eventually pay you back or start contributing.

Sample answer

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

Considering this difficult situation, I have decided to choose Option 1: to schedule a serious, private conversation with my roommate, Alex, to discuss their financial contributions. This is the most constructive approach because it directly addresses the root cause of the problem, allowing for open communication and a potential resolution without involving outside parties. It also provides an opportunity to understand their perspective and work together on a clear payment plan, which is essential for our living arrangement. I would avoid Option 2, involving the landlord, because it is an aggressive step that could permanently damage our relationship and should only be a last resort. Similarly, Option 3, which is to continue covering their share, is completely ineffective. It only prolongs my financial burden and allows resentment to build. Therefore, a direct, honest conversation is the most responsible and effective path forward.

142 words, about 63s spoken

Why it works

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

  • The right length. 142 words, about 63 seconds at a natural pace: inside the 60-second limit with room to finish calmly.
  • Clear links between ideas: “therefore”, “similarly”, “because”. They make the answer easy to follow, which raters reward under coherence.
  • 7 sentences in 63 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 142 words, about 63 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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