CELPIP Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
In Task 6 you choose one of two difficult options and explain your decision to the person it affects. You have 60 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak. Be considerate but firm.
Practice Dealing with a Difficult Situation NowThe official format of Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
CELPIP's official strategies for Task 6
From CELPIP's Speaking Pro: Target 9+ Study Pack (2026).
- Speak directly to the person.
- Be considerate but firm.
- Speak in a respectful way.
- Clearly outline the problem.
- Explain your decision.
- Provide effective reasons to support your decision.
A 5-move structure for Task 6
Say no kindly, give the real reason, show you understand what they lose, offer something real, and leave the door open.
CELPIP Speaking Task 6 sample answer (60 seconds)
You promised to help your brother move into his new apartment on Saturday. Now your manager is asking you to work an extra shift that day, because two coworkers are sick. Choose ONE: tell your manager you can't work the extra shift, OR tell your brother you can't help him move.
Hi Dana, thanks for asking me first, I really appreciate that. I have thought about it a lot, and I'm not able to take the extra shift on Saturday.
It is not that I don't care about the team. It is that I promised my brother weeks ago that I'd help him move, and he's already booked the truck for the whole morning. He can't change the day, because his lease ends that night.
I know that means you'll be short two people on a busy day. That puts a lot of pressure on you, and on everyone else on the floor, and I'm really sorry about that.
What I can do is this. I can come in on Sunday and cover the evening shift, or I can stay two extra hours on Friday to get the stock ready before the weekend. And if it helps, I'll ask a couple of people from the other location if anyone wants the hours.
I am not saying never. If something like this comes up again with a bit more notice, I'll be the first one to say yes. I really do want to help whenever I can.
Spoken directly to the manager, firm about the decision, kind in tone, with a clear reason and a real offer. This answer was spoken within the 60-second limit.
A free CELPIP Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation practice question
Teenage Son Part-Time Job
Your teenage son wants to take a part-time job at a local restaurant to earn spending money. Your spouse thinks he should focus only on his studies and not work during the school year. This disagreement is causing tension in your family.
Choose ONE:
EITHER
Talk to your son. Explain why he should wait until summer to get a job.
OR
Talk to your spouse. Explain why your son should be allowed to work part-time during school.
Show the sample answer
Hi honey, I wanted to talk to you about our son's job situation. I understand you're concerned about his grades, but I think we should let him work part-time. First, having a job will teach him valuable life skills like time management and responsibility. He'll learn how to balance work and school, which is important for his future. Second, earning his own money will help him understand the value of hard work and make him more independent. Many successful students work part-time without their grades suffering. Finally, this job experience will look great on his college applications and help him build confidence. I think if we set clear boundaries, like limiting his hours to weekends only, we can support both his education and his personal growth. What do you think about giving him this opportunity?
More CELPIP Speaking Task 6 practice situations
Set a timer, use the preparation time to plan, and answer each one out loud.
- Your best friend asked you to be in their wedding, but it is on the same day as your sister's graduation. Choose one: tell your friend you can't be in the wedding, or tell your sister you will miss her graduation.
- A neighbor wants to borrow your car for a weekend trip, but you need it to drive to a job interview. Choose one: tell your neighbor no, or ask the interviewer to reschedule.
- Your manager wants you to lead a new project, but you already promised to help a coworker finish theirs. Choose one: tell your manager you can't lead it, or tell your coworker you can't help.
- A customer wants a full refund for a product they used for two months, but the store only gives refunds within 30 days. Choose one: explain the policy to the customer, or ask your manager to make an exception.
- Your friend asked you to look after their children on Friday night, but you already have concert tickets with your partner. Choose one: tell your friend no, or tell your partner you can't go.
- Your landlord wants to raise your rent, but you can't afford the full increase. Choose one: ask the landlord for a smaller increase, or tell your roommate they need to pay more.
Common mistakes on Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
- Trying to do both options. Choose one and explain it.
- Being so apologetic that the decision is unclear, or so blunt that it sounds rude. CELPIP asks you to be considerate but firm.
- Skipping the problem. Clearly outline the situation before you explain your decision.
- Talking about the person instead of to them. Speak directly to the person you chose.
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Start PracticingTask 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation FAQ
How long do I have for CELPIP Speaking Task 6?+
60 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.
Do I have to choose one of the two options in Task 6?+
Yes. You choose one option and explain your decision to the person it affects.
What tone should I use in Task 6?+
Considerate but firm, and respectful. Show you understand how the person feels, but be clear about your decision.
Who might I speak to in Task 6?+
CELPIP describes the task as explaining a decision to a friend, family member, acquaintance, or customer.
What CELPIP Speaking score do I need for Express Entry?+
Express Entry's Federal Skilled Worker program needs at least CLB 7 in speaking and in each other skill, and the most first-language points start at CLB 10. Canadian citizenship needs CLB 4 in speaking and listening.