In CELPIP Speaking Task 6, you’ll typically face a tricky scenario or conflict and must decide how to handle it. Perhaps a friend wants to borrow something you’re not comfortable lending, or a coworker is pressuring you to switch shifts. Below is a six-part breakdown you can follow, loaded with example lines and useful words so you can confidently deliver a tactful, well-structured response.
1. Greeting & Context
Open by addressing the person you’re speaking to and briefly stating why you need to talk about this difficult issue.
- “Hi, thanks for meeting with me. I wanted to discuss the situation regarding your request to borrow my car.”
- “Hello! I appreciate you taking the time to talk. There’s something important on my mind about the deadlines at work.”
- “Good afternoon. I need to talk about a problem I’ve encountered with scheduling, and I hope we can find a solution.”
- “Hey, do you have a moment? I’ve been thinking about your request, and I’d like to explain my decision.”
- “Hi, I wanted to chat about the issue we’ve been having—hopefully we can clear the air.”
2. Explain the Issue
Clarify the dilemma or conflict at hand. Show you understand the other person’s perspective, too.
- “As you know, you asked to borrow my laptop while yours is being repaired, but I’m concerned about a few things.”
- “You mentioned needing my help to cover your shift, but I already have a packed schedule.”
- “I realize you’ve been looking for a place to stay, but having a roommate right now might be complicated for me.”
- “You told me you want to return the product without a receipt, but store policy is quite strict.”
- “I understand the situation—your car’s in the shop and you really need transportation, but there are some risks.”
3. State Your Decision
Make your stance clear—are you saying yes, no, or offering a compromise?
- “I’ve decided it’s best if I don’t lend the car out this time.”
- “I think I can agree to switch shifts under a few conditions.”
- “I’m sorry, but I have to say no, given my current circumstances.”
- “Yes, I’m willing to help, but only up to a certain point.”
- “I’ve thought it through, and I’m afraid I can’t accommodate that request right now.”
4. Provide Reasons (and Soften the Blow)
Offer genuine explanations for your decision. If you’re refusing, try to remain empathetic or propose an alternative.
- “Firstly, my insurance only covers immediate family members. Secondly, I need the car for work early tomorrow.”
- “I’m already juggling multiple responsibilities, so taking on extra hours would be too stressful.”
- “I’m worried about potential damage, and I can’t afford repairs if something goes wrong.”
- “I’m on a tight budget myself, so lending money would put me in a tough spot.”
- “I need quiet at home to study for my exams, so having a roommate might affect my performance.”
Additional Softeners:
- “I totally understand it’s not ideal for you, but I have to protect my own commitments.”
- “I see where you’re coming from, yet I hope you can understand my concerns.”
- “I wish I could help more, but there are limits to what I can manage right now.”
- “I know this puts you in a bind, and I apologize for any inconvenience.”
5. Address Possible Concerns or Offer Alternatives
Show empathy and, if you can, suggest other solutions or compromises.
- “Maybe you could ask our other colleague if they’re free to cover your shift.”
- “Have you considered renting a car for a few days? It might be more straightforward.”
- “Could you talk to the supervisor about extending the deadline so neither of us is overwhelmed?”
- “If you’re worried about cost, perhaps we can split the expense or work out a payment plan.”
- “If you only need the laptop for a couple of hours, I might be able to spare it on the weekend.”
6. Wrap Up
Conclude politely, reaffirm your decision or the next steps, and maintain goodwill if possible.
- “Thanks for understanding. I hope we can figure out something that works for both of us.”
- “That’s my decision. I appreciate you hearing me out, and I’m sorry again if this is disappointing.”
- “I’m glad we could talk about it—let’s keep in touch and see if we find a better solution later on.”
- “Let me know if anything changes. I truly wish I could be more helpful right now.”
- “Thanks for taking the time to listen. I hope this clears the air and we can move forward positively.”
Most Important & Frequent Words/Vocabulary
Below is a bigger pool of words/phrases to help you express your decision firmly yet politely. Each comes with a brief definition:
Polite Expressions
- apologize: to say sorry for something
- regretfully: in a way that shows you’re unhappy about not helping
- unfortunately: indicating something undesirable or disappointing
- if it were up to me: suggesting you’d do more if circumstances allowed
- I understand: showing empathy or acknowledging the other person’s viewpoint
Softeners & Empathy
- I do see your point: admitting you recognize their perspective
- I wish I could do more: expressing regret about your limited capacity
- it’s not that I don’t want to: clarifying that your refusal isn’t out of malice
- I hope you can see where I’m coming from: asking for understanding
- let’s try to find another way: inviting collaboration for a solution
Reason/Explanation Verbs
- clarify: to make something clear
- explain: to give reasons or details
- justify: to prove or show reasons for a decision
- highlight: to emphasize the main point
- enumerate: to list reasons or details
Decision/Outcome Adjectives
- feasible: possible to do without problems
- realistic: sensible, practical given the situation
- secure: safe or protected from risk
- non-negotiable: not open for debate or change
- conditional: dependent on certain requirements
Conflict Management Phrases
- resolve the situation: find a solution to the issue
- avoid misunderstanding: prevent confusion or miscommunication
- manage expectations: set realistic ideas of what can happen
- accommodate your request: fulfill or meet someone’s needs
- maintain a good relationship: keep things friendly or professional
Alternatives & Suggestions
- maybe we could: proposing a possible option
- another option might be: offering a different approach
- you might consider: gently steering the listener to explore a new idea
- what if we tried: a creative approach to problem-solving
- could we compromise by: meeting halfway or adjusting demands
By pairing these sample lines and relevant vocabulary with the six-part template—Greeting & Context, Explain the Issue, State Your Decision, Provide Reasons (and Soften the Blow), Address Possible Concerns or Offer Alternatives, and Wrap Up—you’ll handle any difficult scenario in CELPIP Speaking Task 6 gracefully, while showing strong communication skills.