CELPIP Speaking Task 6 Sample Answers: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
Three original Dealing with a Difficult Situation examples with playable audio, full transcripts and analysis. Practise CELPIP Speaking Task 6 with varied situations.
Explain a decision directly, acknowledge the inconvenience and give considerate, firm reasons.
Preparation: 60 seconds. Response: 60 seconds.
These three original study answers vary the situation and reasoning. They are unscored teaching examples. Try each prompt before listening, then identify how the response meets its audience and purpose.
Your friend asks to use the room you booked for a quiet online interview. Explain to your friend why you have decided to keep the booking.
Listen to the model response · 122 words · 60-second task window
Transcript
Sam, I know you wanted somewhere to rehearse this afternoon, and I'm sorry the other room is unavailable. I need to keep my booking, though, because my interview is at two and I have to speak somewhere quiet. Moving to the common area would make it difficult to hear the questions, and I can't change the interview time at this point. I don't want you to lose your rehearsal altogether. You're welcome to use the room after three, when I expect to be finished, or I can help you check whether the upstairs meeting space is free. I realise neither option is exactly what you asked for, but I can't risk missing this appointment. Let's see which alternative would help you most.
What to notice
The decision is clear and supported by the fixed interview time and need for quiet.
Acknowledgement does not turn into an ambiguous promise to surrender the room.
Alternatives remain realistic offers; they do not assume another space is definitely available.
Revision to practise: Replace repeated apologies with one acknowledgement, a clear decision and a practical alternative.
Explaining a damaged display
Original study prompt
You accidentally damaged a colleague’s cardboard display while moving it. Decide to tell your colleague now rather than quietly replace part of it. Explain your decision and offer a way forward.
Listen to the model response · 122 words · 60-second task window
Transcript
Aisha, I need to tell you what happened to your display. While I was moving it away from the doorway, one of the corners caught on the table and tore. I considered replacing that section myself, but I decided to speak to you first because I don't know which parts can be changed without affecting the design. I'm sorry; I should have asked before moving it. If you're comfortable with it, I can help repair the backing this afternoon, or collect replacement card in the colour you choose. I won't alter the front without your agreement. I know you've put a lot of work into this, and I wanted you to hear the problem from me before you discovered it during setup.
What to notice
The speaker explains the mistake and the decision to disclose it, without avoiding responsibility.
The reason for asking first concerns the colleague's design rather than the speaker's embarrassment.
The proposed repair is conditional on agreement, keeping the tone respectful.
Revision to practise: 'It got damaged' hides the agent. 'I caught the corner on the table' is clear and accountable.
Turning down a shift swap
Original study prompt
A coworker asks you to swap your Saturday shift, but you already committed to helping at a community event. Explain your decision to decline.
Listen to the model response · 125 words · 60-second task window
Transcript
Daniel, I understand that changing your shift would make the weekend easier for you. I can't take Saturday this time, because I promised to help set up the neighbourhood event and the organiser is relying on me for the first two hours. If I cancelled now, they would have to find someone else at short notice. I'd rather be honest than agree and let one of you down later. I could cover your Friday evening shift if that helps, although we'd need to check the change with our supervisor. Otherwise, I can ask the team whether someone is looking for Saturday hours. I'm sorry I can't offer the swap you wanted. I hope one of those options gives you some room to rearrange your plans.
What to notice
The refusal has a meaningful competing commitment, rather than a vague claim of being busy.
The tone recognises the colleague's needs while keeping the decision firm.
Supervisor confirmation prevents the offered alternative from becoming an invented guarantee.
Revision to practise: A considerate refusal can be direct. Avoid 'Maybe I can' when you have already decided you cannot.
Make the next response your own
Keep the communicative purpose, but change the details you would naturally use. Practise the revision suggested after each example. Then record within the task window and check your actual audio for clarity and flow; a written transcript alone cannot establish listenability.
Format and assessment references
Task times and teaching focus were checked against the official 2026 Speaking Pro guide and official performance examples on October 2, 2026. PrepEx examples and annotations are independently authored study material; no official score or endorsement is implied.