CELPIP® Speaking Task 6 sample: Different Goals for Shared Training

Dealing with a Difficult Situation · Preparation: 60 seconds · Response: 60 seconds · Published 23 October 2026

Original practice questions in CELPIP® task formats, created independently by CELPIP Study.

Practice question

You and your friend Hamid bought eight shared Saturday fitness sessions in Saint John. You joined to develop general strength, but Hamid now wants the sessions devoted to cycling exercises for a charity ride. Kalani, the trainer, says shared sessions must follow one training plan. Alternatively, you can divide the package into four individual sessions each at no extra cost. Hamid was counting on eight coached workouts, and neither of you can afford additional sessions. Decide whether to tell Hamid you want four individual sessions each or tell Kalani you agree to use all eight shared sessions for cycling preparation.

Talk to Hamid and explain why you want to divide the package into four individual sessions each
Talk to Kalani and explain why you agree to eight shared sessions focused on cycling

Model answers

These are transcripts of a model response, provided for comparison with your own recording.

Level 7 sample answer

121 words

Hamid, I've thought about our training package, and I'd like us to take four individual sessions each. I know you were counting on eight workouts with Kalani for your charity ride. I'm sorry this means you'll have fewer coached sessions. But I joined because I wanted to build general strength, and doing only cycling exercises wouldn't meet that goal. Um, four private session would let each of us focus on what we need. We could ask Kalani for exercises to practise between appointments, so the training would still help us for longer. Also, we can still encourage each other even if we aren't training together. I think this is the most fair choice because neither of us can pay for more.

Why this answer is at level 7

This level 7 answer makes a clear choice, acknowledges Hamid's disappointment, and offers practical ways to keep supporting each other. Compared with the higher-level answers, its explanation of fairness is less developed, its wording is more general, and a small grammatical slip interrupts the flow.

We could ask Kalani for exercises to practise between appointments, so the training would still help us for longer. — Content/Coherence: This practical suggestion follows logically from having fewer coached sessions. However, the benefit remains general. A higher-level answer would explain how independent practice could support Hamid's cycling preparation and the speaker's strength goal.
I think this is the most fair choice because neither of us can pay for more. — Vocabulary: The wording communicates the decision clearly but relies on broad terms such as 'fair choice.' A higher-level answer would describe fairness more precisely by explaining how separate appointments protect both people's training priorities.
Um, four private session would let each of us focus on what we need. — Listenability: The sentence is easy to follow, but the written hesitation and singular 'session' after 'four' slightly interrupt its flow. A higher-level answer would express this benefit more smoothly while keeping the conversational tone.
I'm sorry this means you'll have fewer coached sessions. — Task Fulfillment: The speaker directly acknowledges the disadvantage for Hamid instead of ignoring it. A higher-level answer would make that concession more concrete by recognizing that splitting the package removes half his coached workouts.

Level 9 sample answer

150 words

Kalani, we've been offered the option of four individual sessions each, but I've decided to stay with the eight shared sessions focused on cycling. Hamid was relying on that amount of coached preparation for his charity ride, and dividing the package would cut it in half. My original goal was general strength, so I recognize that I'm giving something up by choosing the cycling plan. Still, I'd value having eight opportunities to learn from you and keeping the commitment we made to train together. Within the cycling program, could you explain which exercises also support general strength? I'm happy to follow one plan; I'd just like to understand how to get the most out of it. Since we can't afford extra appointments, perhaps you could also suggest a basic independent routine. That would help me pursue my own goal alongside the sessions without asking you to run two separate programs.

Why this answer is at level 9

This level 9 answer develops a clear case for keeping the shared cycling sessions while openly acknowledging the speaker's sacrifice. Its controlled language and respect for Kalani's restriction distinguish it from level 7; compared with level 11, it describes the personal cost and relationship implications less precisely.

Still, I'd value having eight opportunities to learn from you and keeping the commitment we made to train together. — Content/Coherence: This connects the decision to coaching access and the shared commitment, giving the choice several supporting reasons. A higher-level answer would develop the relationship implications further, as the top answer does when discussing possible frustration.
I recognize that I'm giving something up by choosing the cycling plan. — Vocabulary: The phrasing expresses a concession naturally and shows control of reflective language. However, 'giving something up' is broad. A higher-level answer would specify the consequence for the general strength goal more sharply.
I'm happy to follow one plan; I'd just like to understand how to get the most out of it. — Task Fulfillment: This directly respects Kalani's requirement while making a reasonable request about the cycling program. A higher-level answer would connect that acceptance more explicitly to why the speaker considers the personal sacrifice worthwhile.
That would help me pursue my own goal alongside the sessions without asking you to run two separate programs. — Listenability: The sentence smoothly explains the purpose and boundary of the independent routine. Its reference to 'That' is clear from the preceding sentence. A higher-level answer could finish with a more personal, memorable statement about the decision.

Level 11 sample answer

166 words

Hamid, I'd like us to divide the package into four individual sessions each. I realize that's disappointing when you've been counting on eight coached workouts before the charity ride, and I don't want to pretend the alternatives are equivalent. You'd lose half your coached sessions. However, if we devote the entire shared package to cycling preparation, I'd be paying for a program that no longer serves the general strength goal I signed up for. Since Kalani needs shared sessions to follow one plan and neither of us can buy more, separate appointments seem the fairest way to protect both our priorities. Could we ask Kalani to make each individual session build towards a routine we can practise independently? You could focus your four appointments on cycling preparation, while mine would address strength. We could still check in on Saturdays and encourage each other between sessions. I'd miss training side by side, but I'd rather adjust the arrangement honestly than let frustration undermine something we started together.

Why this answer is at level 11

This level 11 answer combines precise acknowledgment of Hamid's loss with a persuasive explanation of why splitting the package protects both goals. Its specific compromise, controlled sentence variety, and thoughtful handling of the friendship make the decision feel fully considered.

You'd lose half your coached sessions. — Task Fulfillment: This states Hamid's exact disadvantage plainly. It shows that the speaker understands what the decision costs him, making the later argument for separate appointments more credible and considerate.
Could we ask Kalani to make each individual session build towards a routine we can practise independently? — Content/Coherence: The suggestion directly addresses the reduced coaching time and limited budget. It develops the proposed split into a workable arrangement, with individual appointments contributing to continued practice between sessions.
I don't want to pretend the alternatives are equivalent. — Vocabulary: The precise word 'equivalent' distinguishes having separate appointments from retaining all the shared workouts. The phrasing acknowledges the unequal consequences without exaggeration or dismissing Hamid's concern.
I'd miss training side by side, but I'd rather adjust the arrangement honestly than let frustration undermine something we started together. — Listenability: The balanced sentence moves naturally from regret to a clear preference and its reason. It provides a strong conversational ending by connecting the practical training decision to preserving the friendship.

What moves an answer from 7 to 9 to 11

These are model answers written to show each level. The labels are practice estimates, not examiner scores.

Make a clear decision, explain it tactfully to the person addressed and develop the reasons. Acknowledge the other person’s needs and offer a practical way forward.

Content/Coherence: Level 7 models communicate the main ideas; level 9 models develop relevant details with clear connections; level 11 models sustain precise, well-integrated development.
Vocabulary: Compare adequate everyday wording with more varied, accurate choices at level 9 and flexible, precise expression at level 11.
Listenability: Higher-level delivery needs clear pronunciation, rhythm, intonation and controlled pauses. Transcripts suggest phrasing and organisation, but cannot demonstrate these audio features; a recording is needed.
Task Fulfillment: Compare how fully the response addresses the request, develops enough relevant detail and maintains an appropriate tone for the audience within the task limits.

Assess the criteria together. A longer answer or rarer words alone do not establish a higher level.

Answer this question and get your level