CELPIP Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation (The CLB 9 Formula)

YYou are asked to tell your boss you can’t work overtime, or tell a neighbor their dog is barking too loudly. Your heart starts racing. How do you say “no” without sounding rude?

This is CELPIP Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation. It is widely considered one of the hardest tasks on the test because it requires a perfect balance of firmness and politeness—all while filling a strictly enforced 60-second timer.

A robotic, short answer here will get you a CLB 7. To get a CLB 9+, you need to master the art of the “Soft No” and have enough substance to speak for the full minute. This guide gives you the exact formula to do it.

The Challenge of CELPIP Speaking Task 6

In CELPIP Speaking Task 6, you are usually placed in a dilemma where you must:

1. Choose between two options (e.g., talk to your boss OR talk to your co-worker).
2. Resolve a conflict (e.g., refuse a request or make a complaint).

The raters are looking for Tone and Development.

• Too Aggressive: “You need to stop your dog from barking.” (Low Score – Rude)
• Too Short: “Sorry, I can’t help you, I’m busy. Maybe next time.” (Low Score – Lack of Development)
• CLB 9+ Balance: A fully developed, minute-long explanation that acknowledges the other person’s feelings while standing firm on your decision.

The 3-Step Formula for CELPIP Speaking Task 6 (The “B.E.S.” Method)

Don’t improvise. Use the B.E.S. method to structure your answer every time.

1. The Buffer (The Soft Opener)

Never start with “No.” Start with empathy or a positive statement to soften the blow.

• Example: “Hi John, thanks so much for asking me to help with the project. I really appreciate you trusting me with this.”

2. The Explanation (The “Why”)

Give a clear, logical reason why you cannot do what they want. It must be a valid excuse, and you must elaborate on it to fill the time.

• Example: “However, I have a strict deadline for my own report this Friday, and my manager has made it clear that I cannot take on extra work until it’s finished. If I split my focus now, I risk missing my own targets.”

3. The Solution (The Compromise)

This is the money maker. Don’t just leave them with a problem. Offer an alternative solution.

• Example: “Although I can’t help you this week, I would be happy to review your draft on Monday morning once my deadline has passed.”

Sample Answer: The “Borrowing Money” Scenario

Prompt: Your friend asks to borrow $500 for a vacation. You need to refuse because you are saving for a new car.

CLB 9+ Response (Full 60-Second Answer):

“Hey Mike, thanks for calling, and thanks for being open with me. I’m really excited to hear you’re planning a trip to Mexico; honestly, it sounds like an amazing break and I know you’ve been working hard for it.” (The Buffer – 10s)

“I really wish I could help you out with the $500, but to be honest, I’m on a strictly locked-down budget right now. As you know, I’ve been saving every single penny for a down payment on a new car next month. My finances are completely tied up in that goal, and I’m just not in a position to lend out any cash at the moment without putting my own plans at risk.” (The Explanation – 25s)

“That being said, I don’t want you to miss out. Have you checked out some of the flight deals on ‘TravelNow’? I saw they were offering ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ payment plans that might make the upfront cost a lot easier to handle. Let me know if you want the link, and we can look at it together!” (The Solution – 20s)

“Anyway, let me know what you think. Talk soon.” (Sign off – 5s)

Why This Scores a CLB 9+:

It Fills the Time: Notice the “padding” phrases (“honestly,” “every single penny,” “completely tied up”). These add natural length.

Complex Grammar: It uses phrases like “without putting my own plans at risk” rather than just saying “I can’t.”

Perfect Tone: It is firm about the money but supportive of the friendship.

Tone is Impossible to Memorize

You can memorize the “B.E.S.” formula, but you can’t memorize tone.

You might think you sound polite, but to a Canadian rater, you might sound sarcastic or cold. This is the #1 reason students fail CELPIP Speaking Task 6.

Reading a blog post won’t fix your voice. You need someone to listen to you.

That is why we built the Smart AI Coach.

• Tone Analysis: Our AI listens to your practice answers and flags if you sound “Argumentative,” “Hesitant,” or “Polite.”
• Timer Discipline: Practice answering hundreds of difficult situations with the real 60-second timer, so you learn exactly how much detail you need to add.

Don’t let one awkward conversation ruin your immigration score.

Start practicing Task 6 with Exam Hero today