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CELPIP Speaking · Task 6

Difficult Situation Template Guide

Learn how to deliver bad news, resolve conflict, and protect the relationship using a polite sandwich structure and soft modal language.

Preparation: 60 seconds

Speaking: 60 seconds

Target: polite solution

Goal

Resolve a Conflict Without Sounding Rude

CELPIP Speaking Task 6 asks you to resolve a conflict or deliver bad news to a friend, family member, or colleague. You must choose one option, often the more difficult one, and explain your decision while maintaining a polite and respectful tone.

Assessment Criteria

What the Examiner Looks For

Tone (Politeness Strategy)

In English, the rule is more words = more polite. Avoid blunt statements.

Too direct: You can't stay.

Polite: I think it would be better if we made other arrangements.

Structure (Sandwich Method)

Follow this order: validate feelings → deliver bad news → offer solution.

Grammar (Modals of Softness)

Use would, could, and might. Avoid harsh modals like "you must" or "you have to."

Step 1

The Greeting & The Hush: Set the Scene

Goal: signal immediately that this is a serious or delicate conversation. Do not start with a casual "Hey, what's up?"

Greeting: Hi [Name]. Hope you're doing well.

The Signal: Listen, I have something a bit delicate to discuss with you...

The Request: ...so if I could have a moment of your time, I'd really appreciate it.

Example: Hi Daniel, I hope you're doing well. Listen, I have something a bit delicate to discuss with you, so if I could have a moment of your time, I'd really appreciate it.

Step 2

The Conflict: Polite Disagreement

Goal: state the problem without sounding aggressive. Acknowledge their side before giving your opinion.

Grammar Alert: Validate → However

You must show empathy first to lower their defenses.

Pattern: I know you want [X], and I completely understand [why]. However, I feel that [Y].

Example: I know you were hoping to stay at my apartment for a few weeks, and I completely understand that hotels can be expensive. However, I feel that it would be difficult for me to host you right now because my roommate is uncomfortable with long-term guests.

Step 3

The Soft Solution

Goal: propose a solution using the "longer is politer" rule. Use this table to avoid sounding bossy.

StrategyToo Direct (Rude)Polite & Soft (Score 9+)
The Hypothetical (Use Would)You should stay at a hotel. / Go to an Airbnb.I think the best approach would be for you to stay at a hotel. / It might be a better idea if we found an Airbnb.
The Inclusive (Use We)You need to solve this.We can figure this out together. / Let's look for a solution.
The Benefit (Explain Why)My roommate said no.This way, we can avoid tension with my roommate.

Template: I think the best approach would be to [soft solution]. We could also [alternative]. This way, [benefit / reduced tension].

Example: I think the best approach would be for us to look for a nearby Airbnb for the first few nights. We could also search together for a short-term room rental. This way, you would have privacy, and we could avoid creating tension with my roommate.

Step 4

The Closing: Seeking Agreement

Goal: persuade them to accept your solution. Do not ask, "What do you think?" because it invites disagreement. Close the door gently but firmly.

Persuasive Closing

Template: I hope you can understand where I'm coming from, and I'm sure we can make this work in a way that is comfortable for everyone.

Example: I really hope you can understand my position, and I'm sure we can find an arrangement that helps you while keeping things comfortable at home.

Example with Instruction

Prompt and Band-Strong Sample Response

Instruction

Your close friend is moving to your city and wants to stay in your apartment for three weeks. You share the apartment with a roommate who is not comfortable with long-term guests. Call your friend and explain that they cannot stay with you. Offer another solution.

Hi Daniel, I hope you're doing well. Listen, I have something a bit delicate to discuss with you, so if I could have a moment of your time, I'd really appreciate it.

I know you were hoping to stay at my apartment when you move here, and I completely understand that finding a place in a new city can be stressful and expensive. However, I feel that it would be difficult for me to host you for three weeks because my roommate is not comfortable having a long-term guest in our shared space.

I think the best approach would be for us to look for a nearby Airbnb or short-term room rental instead. We could search together this evening, and I might be able to help you inspect a few places before you arrive. This way, you would have more privacy, and we could avoid tension in my apartment.

I really hope you can understand where I'm coming from, and I'm sure we can find an arrangement that helps you while keeping things comfortable for everyone.