CELPIP Speaking Task 6: Dealing with Difficult Situations (Band 7-10)
Learn strategies for handling challenging situations effectively. Learn to explain problems clearly, outline practical solutions, and demonstrate problem-solving skills that score Band 7-10.
What They Test
Understanding the assessment criteria helps you deliver exactly what examiners are looking for.
Problem Identification
Your ability to clearly identify and explain the difficult situation, showing understanding of the challenges involved.
Solution Development
Outlining clear, logical steps to address the situation, with practical actions and reasoning for each step.
Outcome Consideration
Considering potential results, alternative approaches, and demonstrating awareness of consequences or follow-up actions.
Language Range
Using varied vocabulary to describe problems, explain actions, and express conditional outcomes effectively.
Template Phrases
Ready-to-use expressions for handling difficult situations and explaining solutions effectively.
Acknowledging the Situation
- "I understand this is a challenging situation..."
- "This is indeed a difficult problem, and here's how I would handle it..."
- "Facing this situation, I would..."
Outlining Steps
- "First, I would..."
- "The next step would be to..."
- "Then, I'd..."
- "Finally, I would..."
Explaining Reasoning
- "This approach would work because..."
- "The reason for this is..."
- "By doing this, I could..."
- "This would help me to..."
Considering Outcomes
- "This should result in..."
- "If this doesn't work, I could also..."
- "As a backup plan, I might..."
Sample Answer (30s prep + 60s)
See how a Band 7-10 problem-solving response sounds with proper structure and clear steps.
Scenario:
You've been assigned a group project, but one team member isn't contributing. Explain how you would handle this difficult situation.
Acknowledging the Situation:
"I understand this is a challenging situation that could affect our group's performance. Here's how I would handle it professionally and effectively."
Step 1 - Direct Communication:
"First, I would reach out to the team member privately to understand their situation. I'd approach them with empathy, asking if they're facing any challenges or if there's something preventing them from contributing. This approach would work because it shows respect and gives them a chance to explain before making assumptions."
Step 2 - Setting Clear Expectations:
"Next, I would clearly outline the project requirements and assign specific tasks with deadlines. I'd make sure everyone understands their responsibilities and the importance of each contribution. By doing this, I could ensure transparency and accountability, which would help prevent misunderstandings."
Step 3 - Follow-up & Alternative:
"If the team member still doesn't contribute after these steps, I would document their lack of participation and discuss the situation with our instructor or supervisor. As a backup plan, I might redistribute their tasks among the rest of the team to ensure we meet our deadline. This should result in a completed project while maintaining professionalism."
Why This Response Scores High:
- Clearly identifies the problem and acknowledges its difficulty
- Outlines logical, sequential steps to address the situation
- Provides reasoning for each step, showing strategic thinking
- Considers alternative approaches and potential outcomes
- Uses appropriate vocabulary for problem-solving and professional communication
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from these frequent errors that lower scores on CELPIP Speaking Task 6.
Mistake 1: Only Describing the Problem Without Solutions
Spending too much time describing the situation without outlining concrete steps to resolve it.
Weak:
"This is a difficult situation. The team member isn't helping. It's really problematic."
Strong:
"I understand this is a challenging situation. Here's how I would handle it: First, I would reach out to the team member privately to understand their situation. Then, I'd set clear expectations and deadlines. Finally, if needed, I'd escalate the issue appropriately."
Mistake 2: Providing Vague Solutions Without Reasoning
Simply listing actions without explaining why they would work or how they address the problem.
Weak:
"I would talk to them. Then I'd do something about it."
Strong:
"First, I would reach out to the team member privately because this approach shows respect and gives them a chance to explain before making assumptions. This would help me understand if there are underlying issues preventing their participation."
Mistake 3: Not Considering Alternative Approaches or Outcomes
High-scoring responses acknowledge that solutions might need adjustment and consider backup plans.
Tip: Use phrases like "If this doesn't work, I could also...", "As a backup plan...", or "This should result in... but if not, I might..." to show sophisticated problem-solving thinking.
Mistake 4: Using Inappropriate or Unprofessional Language
Being too emotional, confrontational, or using casual language when dealing with difficult situations.
Inappropriate:
"I'd just tell them off and get them kicked out of the group."
Professional:
"I would approach the situation professionally by first understanding their circumstances, then setting clear expectations, and if necessary, documenting the issue and discussing it with our supervisor in a constructive manner."
Mini Quiz
Test your understanding of CELPIP Speaking Task 6.
1. What is the primary purpose of CELPIP Speaking Task 6?
2. Which approach is most effective for Task 6?
3. What makes a strong problem-solving response?
Ready to Practice Task 6?
Put your problem-solving skills into action with our interactive CELPIP Speaking exercises.