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CELPIP, Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation

Workplace Gift Pressure: 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

A colleague, Sarah, is organizing an extravagant farewell gift for your boss, asking everyone for a significant contribution. You feel pressured to contribute more than you can afford, and declining might cause an awkward social situation at work.

Task

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

  • Option 1: Speak privately with Sarah, explaining your financial situation and suggesting a more modest contribution or an alternative way to participate.
  • Option 2: Report Sarah's behavior to HR or your direct manager, framing it as workplace harassment or inappropriate pressure.
  • Option 3: Avoid Sarah's requests and hope the issue resolves itself, or contribute the requested amount despite the financial strain to avoid conflict.

Sample answer

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

Given this challenging situation, I would definitely choose Option 1: speaking privately with Sarah to explain my financial constraints and suggest a more modest contribution. This is the most constructive approach because, firstly, it addresses the issue directly and transparently, fostering open communication rather than resentment. Secondly, it allows for a potential compromise, preserving the professional relationship with Sarah while respecting my personal financial boundaries. Option 2, reporting Sarah to HR, would be an escalatory measure that could unnecessarily damage workplace dynamics and should only be considered as a last resort if direct communication fails. Option 3, avoiding the situation or contributing under duress, is completely ineffective; it would lead to personal financial strain and unresolved tension, ultimately eroding my well-being and professional standing. Therefore, a calm, direct conversation is the most appropriate and effective way to navigate this sensitive workplace issue.

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”, “firstly”, “secondly”, “while”, “because”. They make the answer easy to follow, which raters reward under coherence.
  • 6 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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