Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
Objective: Choose between two conflicting people or options and explain your decision in a clear, respectful, and well-reasoned way using calm, diplomatic language.
What the Task Involves
You’ll be presented with a situation involving a conflict between two people or priorities. You must choose one person to speak to and explain why you are not doing what they want, or why you’re supporting the opposite side.
Your job is to:
- Speak directly to one person
- Choose one clear position
- Provide 2–3 reasons that support your decision
- Maintain a respectful and tactful tone
- Use persuasive and organized language
Time Limits
- Preparation Time: 60 seconds
- Speaking Time: 60 seconds
Scoring Categories
| Category | What the Examiner Expects |
| Coherence & Meaning | Is your decision clear and supported by logical reasoning? |
| Lexical Range | Do you use polite, persuasive, and appropriate vocabulary? |
| Listenability | Is your tone calm, organized, and pleasant to listen to? |
| Task Fulfillment | Did you clearly address one side and provide enough depth? |
Example: Authentic CELPIP Prompt
Scenario:
A close cousin who lives in another country is coming to visit for a year. She tells you she would like to stay at your place to explore your country’s culture and to spend time with you. Your roommate does not agree, and says you will have to move out if she comes.
Choose ONE:
- Talk to your cousin. Explain why she cannot move in for a year.
- OR talk to your roommate. Explain why your cousin should be allowed to move in with you for a year.
This type of question is typical: a personal relationship vs. practical constraint.
Strategy Framework: R.E.S.T.
Lancity’s four-step structure for difficult conversations.
| Step | What It Means | What to Do |
| R | Respect the other person’s view | Begin by acknowledging their feelings or position |
| E | Explain your decision clearly | Choose one side and state your decision directly |
| S | Support with 2–3 solid reasons | Give logical, emotional, or practical reasons for your decision |
| T | Tone down and close politely | End with reassurance, support, or a suggestion to maintain goodwill |
What to Do in the 60-Second Prep Time
- Read both options carefully
- Decide whom you’re speaking to: cousin or roommate
- Note down 2–3 clear, defendable reasons
- Think practical (money, space, rules) or emotional (disruption, pressure)
- Think practical (money, space, rules) or emotional (disruption, pressure)
- Consider how to acknowledge their side respectfully
- Plan a calm closing line
Sample Response Plan Using R.E.S.T.
Choosing: Talk to Your Roommate
| Step | Sample Content |
| R | “I know you’re not comfortable with the idea of someone else living here.” |
| E | “But I’ve decided to let my cousin stay with us for a few months.” |
| S | “First, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for her to experience our culture.She’ll also help cover rent, so it won’t affect you financially. And we can create some ground rules to make sure your privacy is respected. |
| T | “I really hope you can be flexible about this. I’d like to make this work for both of us. |
Model Response
I understand that you’re not comfortable with someone else staying in the apartment, and I really do respect that.
But after thinking it through, I’ve decided to let my cousin stay with us for the year.
First, she’s traveling from another country, and this may be her only chance to live here and explore the culture.
Second, she plans to contribute to rent and cover her own expenses, so it won’t place any financial burden on us.
Also, we can set clear boundaries and expectations, so that your space and privacy are protected.
I really hope you’ll be open to giving this a try. I value our living situation and want to keep it working for both of us.
Language Tools
Respect and Acknowledgment
- “I understand this isn’t an easy situation.”
- “I know you had a different idea in mind, and I respect that.”
Clear Decision Statements
- “But after thinking it over, I’ve decided that…”
- “In this case, I believe the best choice is…”
Supportive Reasoning
- “The main reason is that…”
- “It just makes more sense because…”
- “Another point is that…”
Tone and Closure
- “I’m hoping we can find a way to make this work.”
- “Thanks for hearing me out — I really appreciate your flexibility.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It Lowers Your Score |
| Talking about both sides | Confuses the examiner — choose only one side |
| Sounding harsh or confrontational | Damages listenability and tone |
| Giving only one reason | Makes your answer too short and underdeveloped |
| Failing to acknowledge the other side | Misses emotional balance; sounds inconsiderate |
| Being too vague or casual | Lowers lexical range and formality |
Practice Prompt
Your best friend has asked to borrow your car for three months while they save up to buy their own. You rely on your car to get to work and run daily errands. Your friend insists it’s the only way they’ll manage.
Choose ONE:
- Talk to your friend. Explain why they can’t borrow your car.
- OR talk to a family member. Explain why you’re letting your friend borrow the car.
Apply the R.E.S.T. Framework to structure your response.