CELPIP Speaking Task 6 presents a problem situation and asks how you would respond. CLB 9 responses identify the core issue, state a response strategy, and show interpersonal awareness. Vague reassurances score below CLB 8.
Examples
Weak
Avoid"I would just try to talk to them and hopefully the problem would go away eventually."
Stronger
Better"I would request a private meeting with my colleague to address the miscommunication directly. I would explain my perspective, listen to their concerns, and propose a clear division of responsibilities going forward to prevent the same issue from recurring."
How It Works
Identify the core issue
Name the specific problem before proposing a response
"The core issue is that the miscommunication created conflicting expectations about who owned the deliverable."
Step-by-step response
Give two or three ordered steps, not a single vague action
"First, I would request a meeting. Then, I would present the timeline. Finally, I would agree on a revised deadline."
Interpersonal awareness
Acknowledge the other person's perspective or feelings
"I understand my colleague may feel frustrated, so I would choose a private setting to avoid public embarrassment."
Resolution clause
End with what the situation will look like after your response
"The goal is to leave the meeting with a written agreement on roles so this does not repeat."
Common Mistakes
Single vague action
AvoidI would just talk to them and fix the problem.
BetterI would schedule a 15-minute one-on-one, share specific examples of the conflict, and agree on a protocol for future handoffs.
Fix: A specific, sequenced response with concrete details scores CLB 9. "Talk to them" does not.
No acknowledgement of the other person
AvoidI would tell them what they did wrong and what they need to fix.
BetterI would invite them to share their perspective before explaining mine, to ensure I have the full picture.
Fix: Task 6 scenarios often involve interpersonal conflict. Showing awareness of the other party's experience is scored under Coherence.
No resolution clause
AvoidI would handle the situation and move on.
BetterThe resolution is a written agreement on roles that both parties sign, so there is a clear reference point for future conflicts.
Fix: A concrete resolution shows the examiner your response is complete, not just started.
Practice Lab
Self-mark each task. Retry until every answer is correct.
Score: 0/3
1. Quick pick
Which option best demonstrates this skill?
2. Build it
Put the sentence in the correct order.
Tap a chunk to move it between the bank and answer area.
3. Sort it
Sort each item into the correct category.
Give two or three ordered steps to resolve the situation.
Say "I would just talk to them" without further specifics.
Acknowledge the other person's perspective before presenting yours.
End without stating what a successful resolution looks like.
Why It Matters
CELPIP Speaking Task 6 is an interpersonal problem-solving task. The examiner is looking for situational awareness, a structured response, and a clear resolution goal. Candidates who give one vague action ("I would just talk to them") score CLB 7 on Task Fulfilment. A three-part response (core issue, ordered steps, resolution goal) with interpersonal awareness reliably achieves CLB 9.
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