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CELPIP Speaking · Task 6

Dealing with a Difficult Situation

See the task format, read an original example and practise your own response.

What to practise

Respond to the situation on screen, organise your ideas and speak clearly within the task timer. The speaking section has eight tasks and takes approximately 15 minutes.

Original practice example: Two Requests, One Small Budget

You coordinate the after-school program at Larchmont Elementary in Whitehorse. Only $900 is left in this year's budget, and each request would use almost all of it. Mahina, who runs the outdoor club, wants to buy twelve pairs of children's snowshoes so her group can keep going outside through January and February; without them, the club will have to stay in the gym. Bridget, who leads the homework room, wants the money for a part-time tutor two afternoons a week, because six Grade 5 students are falling behind in reading and their parents have asked for help. Both staff members have worked hard and are expecting good news. Decide which request you will turn down, and speak to that person. Choose ONE of the following: EITHER talk to Mahina OR talk to Bridget.

    One possible response

    This original model response illustrates an approach to the task. Its level label is a practice estimate.

    Bridget, thanks for coming in. I've gone back and forth on this all week, so I wanted to tell you in person: I've decided to put the last of the budget toward Mahina's snowshoes. I know that's disappointing, especially since you've been watching some of your Grade 5 kids struggle with reading. Here's my reasoning. In Whitehorse, January and February are long, and if the outdoor club is stuck in the gym, about a dozen kids lose the one activity that really gets them moving. The snowshoes will also last for years, while a tutor would only cover a few months. That said, I don't want to leave your students without support. I've already spoken to the parent council, and two retired teachers who live nearby have offered to volunteer as reading buddies. They could come in on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I'd also be happy to ask the council to fund a proper tutor next fall. Could we sit down on Monday and plan it together?

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    Official format reference

    Format checked 22 October 2026 against CELPIP Test Format & Scoring. Questions and model responses here are independently created. Practice estimates are not official test results.