In Task 6 you face an awkward situation, often a conflict where you can't satisfy everyone. You choose one of two ways to handle it, and then you speak directly to that person. The task tests whether you can give a difficult message clearly and politely in English.
Please note: the sample answers below are my original teaching examples, not official CELPIP responses, and they have not been scored by CELPIP. Use them to study structure and tone, not as scripts to memorize.
How Task 6 Works
- Prepare: 60 seconds. Speak: 60 seconds.
- The task describes a situation and then gives you a choice, usually in this form: Choose ONE: EITHER talk to one person and explain something, OR talk to another person and explain something else.
- Each choice usually means speaking to a different person, for example a friend, a family member, a coworker or a manager.
- Both choices are acceptable. There is no "right" choice; what matters is how well you handle the one you pick.
How to Choose in a Few Seconds
Don't spend half your preparation time deciding. Ask yourself one question: for which choice can I give the clearest reason? Choose it, and use the rest of the time to plan what you will say to that person.
A Simple Structure for Your 60 Seconds
- Greet the person and get to the point. "Hi Sam, I need to talk to you about Saturday."
- Show you understand their side. "I know you were counting on me…"
- Give your decision clearly. "Unfortunately, I can't…"
- Explain the reason in one or two sentences, with a concrete detail.
- Offer a practical alternative that doesn't contradict your decision: "Would it help if I…?"
- End positively. "Let me know what works for you."
One sincere "I'm sorry" is enough. If you apologize again and again, there is less time for the reason and the solution, and that is what solves the problem.
Useful Phrases
- Opening: I need to talk to you about…, I'm calling about…
- Understanding: I know this is short notice., I understand how important this is for you.
- Decision: Unfortunately, I won't be able to…, I'm afraid I have to…
- Reason: The thing is…, The reason is that…
- Alternative: Would it help if I…?, What if I…?, Could we… instead?
- Closing: I really appreciate your understanding., Let me know what works for you.
The Situation for Samples 1 and 2
You promised to look after your neighbour's dog this weekend while your neighbour is away. Today your manager asked you to attend a two-day training course on the same weekend. The training is required for a new role you applied for.
Choose ONE: EITHER Talk to your neighbour. Explain why you can't look after the dog this weekend. OR Talk to your manager. Explain why you can't attend the training this weekend.
Both choices can lead to a strong answer. Here is one answer for each.
Sample Answer 1: Talking to the Neighbour
Hi Linda, do you have a minute? I need to talk to you about this weekend. I know you're counting on me to look after Max, and I'm really sorry to tell you this so late.
My manager told me today that I have to attend a two-day training course on Saturday and Sunday. It's required for the new position I applied for, so I can't miss it. The training is downtown from eight to five, so I wouldn't be home to walk Max or feed him on time.
But I don't want to leave you without a plan. My cousin Daniel loves dogs, and he lives two streets away. I've already asked him, and he's free this weekend. If you agree, I can bring him over tomorrow evening so he can meet Max and you can show him the routine.
I hope that works for you. Let me know what you think.
Why it works: it speaks directly to the neighbour, gives one apology and a concrete reason, and offers a realistic alternative that solves the neighbour's real problem (someone to care for the dog).
Sample Answer 2: Talking to the Manager
Hi Mr. Clark, thank you for letting me know about the training. I'm really happy to be considered for the new role, and I definitely want to do the course.
The problem is this weekend. Before I heard about the training, I promised my neighbour I would look after her dog while she's out of town. She leaves tomorrow morning and has no one else to help, so I can't change that now.
Would it be possible for me to attend the next session of the course? If it's only offered this weekend, could I join an online version, or review the materials and meet with the trainer next week? I'd be happy to do any extra work needed so I'm ready for the new role.
Thank you for understanding. Please let me know which option works best.
Why it works: it shows interest in the training, explains the conflict without too much detail, keeps a respectful tone for a manager and offers more than one solution.
Sample Answer 3: A Weaker and a Stronger Answer
Situation: You are organizing a farewell lunch for a coworker tomorrow. The restaurant just called to say they made a mistake and gave your table for 10 people to another group. Choose ONE: EITHER talk to the restaurant manager and ask them to find a solution, OR talk to your coworkers and explain that the lunch will be in the office instead.
Weaker answer (talking to the restaurant manager):
I would tell the manager that this is not good. I am very sorry, but this is a big problem. I am sorry. We booked a table. I am really sorry to say this but you need to fix it. Sorry. We have ten people. It is a farewell lunch.
Problems: it talks about the manager ("I would tell the manager…") instead of to the manager, it apologizes many times even though the restaurant made the mistake, it sounds demanding ("you need to fix it") and it offers no solution.
Stronger answer (talking to the restaurant manager):
Hello, this is Priya Shah. I booked a table for ten people for tomorrow at twelve thirty. I just got a call saying the booking was given to another group, and I'm hoping we can find a solution together.
This lunch is a farewell for a coworker who has worked with us for eight years, and everyone has already planned their day around it, so it's really important to us.
Is there any way you could seat us in another area, like the patio or the back room? We could also come a little earlier, at twelve, or later, at one, if that helps. And if we have to sit at two tables next to each other, that's fine too.
I'd really appreciate anything you can do. Could you call me back this afternoon to confirm?
Why it's stronger: it speaks directly to the manager, explains the situation calmly, makes the request politely without blaming, gives several flexible options and ends with a clear next step.
Common Mistakes in Task 6
- Talking about the person instead of to them. Say "Hi Linda, …", not "I would tell my neighbour that…".
- Too many apologies. One sincere apology is enough; use the time for your reason and your solution.
- A long story and no decision. Make your decision clear early, then explain.
- Changing your decision halfway. If you say you can't come, don't end with "maybe I can come after all".
- Ignoring the other person's problem. Show you understand why it matters to them, and offer something useful.
- Wrong tone for the relationship. A friend can hear "Hey, listen…"; a manager or a business needs a more formal tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which option should I choose? Either one. Choose the option you can explain most clearly, and decide quickly.
Can I use a name for the person? Yes. Using a name or a polite title (Hi Linda, Mr. Clark) makes it clear that you are speaking directly to them.
Do I have to apologize? Not always. In many situations one short apology sounds natural, but it is not a required formula. Your decision, reason and solution matter more.
How many words should I say? CELPIP has no word requirement for Speaking. As a rough guide to pace, 60 seconds at a calm speed is about 120–150 words, but this is not a target.
Can I invent details? You can add reasonable details that fit the situation (a name, a time, who could help instead), but don't change the facts given in the task.
Keep Practising
- Read the previous task: CELPIP Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading.
- See answers for all eight tasks in CELPIP Speaking sample answers.
- Learn the timing and structure of every task in the CELPIP Speaking task-by-task guide.
- Practise speaking out loud with instant feedback in the live AI speaking practice, or get a teacher's feedback through CELPIP preparation with Masha.