CELPIP Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation, with sample answers
Task 6 describes an awkward situation with two ways out: you choose one and say it to the person involved. You get 60 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.
The task at a glance
Time to prepare
60 seconds
Time to speak
60 seconds
Picture
No
A structure that works
Pick one of the two ways out, and speak to that person.
Open politely, then explain the problem clearly.
Offer a solution, or something in return.
Close in a way that keeps the relationship friendly.
Sample tasks with model answers
Original practice tasks in the test's format. Start the timer and answer out loud, then read the model answer.
Task
Your sister is going overseas for two weeks and asked you to look after her dog. You agreed, and the dog arrives tomorrow. Today your landlord told you that no pets are allowed in your building, not even for a short stay. Choose one of the two people below and talk to them.
Options:
Talk to your sister. Explain why you cannot keep the dog, and suggest another plan.
Talk to your landlord. Explain why you need to keep the dog for two weeks, and offer something in return.
Answer out loud while the timer runs. This page does not record or score you.
Model answer, written by MapleMock
Hi, Mr. Ferreira, thanks for taking a minute. I wanted to talk to you about the dog. I completely understand the rule, and I'm not asking to change it. But my sister is leaving for two weeks tomorrow, and she had nobody else to ask, so I really need your help this one time. The dog is an older beagle, very quiet; she sleeps most of the day. Here's what I can offer: I'll walk her only through the back door, so she never uses the lobby or the elevator, and I'll pay for a professional cleaning of my unit after she leaves. If any neighbour complains even once, I'll find somewhere else for her that same day. And I can give you my sister's number so you can check the dog's vaccination records. Would that be acceptable for just these two weeks?
Task
You and a classmate are giving a presentation in class tomorrow morning. Tonight your classmate called to say she is sick and has not finished her half of the slides. Your teacher has said that late presentations lose marks. Choose one of the two people below and talk to them.
Options:
Talk to your classmate. Explain why the presentation must be ready, and offer a way to finish it.
Talk to your teacher. Explain the situation, and ask for a solution.
Answer out loud while the timer runs. This page does not record or score you.
Model answer, written by MapleMock
Hi, Professor Okafor. I'm sorry to call this late, but I wanted to tell you about our presentation before tomorrow. My partner, Lina, phoned me tonight; she's been sick since Monday, and she hasn't been able to finish her half. I've finished my part, and I could present it tomorrow as planned, if that helps. What I'd like to ask is whether we could present the whole thing on Thursday instead. That would give Lina time to recover and give me time to help her finish. I understand that late work normally loses marks, and I don't want special treatment, but I can send you my slides tonight so you can see that my half was ready on time. If Thursday isn't possible, maybe I could present my part tomorrow and Lina could present hers next week. Would either of those work for you?
Common mistakes
Talking about the person instead of to them.
Trying to do both options instead of choosing one.
Explaining the problem with no solution or offer.
Practise it on the clock
Speaking practice is coming soon. The free Listening & Reading mock is open now.