Speaking Task 6, Dealing with a Difficult Situation, gives you 60 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak. You get a situation and two options. You choose a single option and speak about it. This guide shows a plan you can reuse and a short model answer.
1.What the task is
The situation is followed by two options, shown as Choose ONE: EITHER ... OR .... You choose one of the two and speak about it. You have 60 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.
The task is about handling a problem in a calm and clear way. Your choice does not matter as much as how well you speak about it. Pick the option you can say the most about.
2.How it is scored
Your answer is scored on four things:
- Content and Coherence. Your ideas fit the situation and follow a clear order.
- Vocabulary. The words and phrases you use are suitable and varied.
- Listenability. This covers rhythm, pronunciation, intonation, pauses and self correction.
- Task Fulfillment. You do what the task asks and speak about the option you chose.
Accent is not scored. A clear voice with natural pauses matters more than a perfect accent. Levels 4 to 12 map one to one to CLB 4 to 12.
3.A plan that fits most tasks
Use the 60 seconds of preparation to choose and to note a few keywords. Do not write full sentences.
- Choose fast. Pick the option for which you already have ideas and words.
- Open with your choice. Say what you will do and, if the situation names a person, who you are speaking to.
- Name the problem politely. Say what is wrong and why it matters to you.
- Make a clear request or offer a solution. Say what you would like to happen.
- Add a next step. Say what you will do if it works, or if it does not.
- Close politely. End with a short line such as a thank you or a hope for a good result.
Match your tone to the person. Be friendly with a neighbour and more formal with a manager. Practise until your answer fills the speaking time without rushing.
4.A worked example
Task (written for this guide): Your neighbour plays loud music late at night. You start work early and you are tired. Choose ONE: EITHER knock on the door and speak to your neighbour OR leave your neighbour a polite note.
Model answer (written for this guide):
I would knock on my neighbour's door and speak to him in person. I think a friendly talk works better than a note, because he can hear my tone. I would say, 'Hi, I'm your neighbour from next door. I'm sorry to bother you. I start work very early, and the music at night is keeping me awake. Could you please turn it down after ten o'clock?' I would also say that I understand he enjoys music, and that I am happy to find a time that works for both of us. If he agrees, I will thank him. If the noise continues, I will speak to the building manager. I hope we can solve this without any conflict.
Why it works:
- It states the choice in the first sentence and gives a reason for it.
- The problem is clear and specific: early work and noise at night.
- The request is polite and has a time limit.
- There is a next step if the first plan fails.
- The tone fits a neighbour: kind and direct.
5.Common mistakes
- Spending the preparation time deciding. Choose quickly and spend the time on keywords.
- Mixing both options or changing your mind during the answer.
- Describing the situation again instead of dealing with it.
- Memorizing a script. It sounds flat and breaks when you forget a word.
- Speaking too fast. Short pauses help your rhythm and make you easier to follow.
- Using a tone that is too harsh or too casual for the person.
- Stopping in the middle of an idea. Plan a short closing line so you can finish well.
6.Next step
Practise with a timer: 60 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak. Then listen to yourself and check the four criteria. Try a free Dealing with a Difficult Situation set.