Speaking Task 6 — Dealing with a Difficult Situation
A tricky real-life dilemma with two imperfect choices. Learn to explain your decision tactfully, with CLB 7, 9 and 11 answers.
In Task 6 you're given an awkward dilemma with two imperfect options, and about 60 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak, choosing one path and explaining it tactfully. Acknowledge the situation, state your decision, give honest reasons, then soften it with an apology or alternative. This tests tact, not just fluency — a firm but kind answer scores higher than an indecisive one.
- How much time do I get to prepare and answer in Task 6?
- You get about 60 seconds to prepare and about 60 seconds to speak.
- What's the best structure for a tactful answer?
- Acknowledge the situation and the other person's position, state your decision clearly but gently, explain your reasons honestly, then offer a softener like an apology, an alternative, or reassurance.
- What common mistakes should I avoid?
- Avoid being too blunt with no softening, never actually making a decision, and forgetting the other person's feelings — tact is the whole point of this task.
- 1.You face an awkward situation with two options that both have a downside — you get about 60 seconds prep to weigh them.
- 2.Pick one path and explain it calmly: acknowledge the problem → state your choice → give reasons → be tactful about the other person's feelings.
- 3.This task tests TACT. Use polite, diplomatic language: 'I understand, but...', 'I'd rather not, because...'.
- 4.Often you must speak TO someone (a friend, a boss) and let them down gently or explain a choice — soften the message.
- 5.Show you considered both sides; a thoughtful decision sounds more mature than a blunt one.
The task
Task 6 drops you into an awkward real-life dilemma — for example, a friend wants to borrow something you need, or you must choose between two plans that will each disappoint someone. Both options have a downside. You get about 60 seconds to prepare and about 60 seconds to speak. The skill being tested is tact: making a clear choice while being diplomatic.
A tactful structure
- Acknowledge the situation and the other person's position: "I know how much this means to you…"
- State your decision clearly but gently.
- Explain your reasons honestly.
- Offer a softener — an apology, an alternative, or reassurance: "…but maybe we could…"
Diplomatic language
This is where points are won or lost:
- "I completely understand, but…"
- "I'd really rather not, and here's why…"
- "I hate to say no, however…"
- "Would it be okay if instead we…?"
Decide — don't dodge
It can be tempting to avoid choosing. Don't. Make a clear decision, then cushion it. A firm-but-kind answer scores higher than an indecisive one.
Common mistakes
- Being too blunt ("No, I can't") with no softening.
- Never actually deciding — weighing both sides forever.
- Forgetting the other person's feelings — tact is the whole point.
Sample answers by CLB level
See what each band looks like — and what lifts an answer to the next level.
Your friend wants to borrow your car for a road trip, but you need it for work that weekend. Tell your friend your decision.
Hi Sam, thanks for asking about the car, and I know your road trip is really important to you. I have to be honest with you. This weekend I cannot lend you my car, and I am sorry about that. The reason is that I need it for work. I have to drive to another city for some meetings, and there is no bus or train that goes there. Without my car, I cannot do my job. I really wish I could help you. Maybe we can find another way. Could you rent a car for the weekend? Or if you want, I can help you look for a cheap rental online. I hope you understand, and I hope you still have a great trip.
Your friend wants to borrow your car for a road trip, but you need it for work that weekend. Tell your friend your decision.
Hey Sam, listen — I really appreciate you asking, and I know how much you've been looking forward to this road trip. Here's the thing, though: I'm not going to be able to lend you the car this weekend, and I genuinely feel bad about it. The problem is that I've got work meetings two hours away, and there's honestly no realistic way to get there without driving myself. If I gave you the car, I'd basically be stranded. I don't want to just leave you hanging, though. Why don't I help you sort out a rental? I've used a place nearby that's pretty affordable, and I'm happy to split the booking fee with you to make up for it. I really hope the trip is amazing — I just can't be the one supplying the wheels this time.
Your friend wants to borrow your car for a road trip, but you need it for work that weekend. Tell your friend your decision.
Hey Sam, I want to start by saying I really don't take it lightly that you came to me — I know this road trip has been the one thing you've been counting down to. So I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I'm going to have to say no to the car this weekend, and I promise it's not for lack of wanting to help. The snag is a set of work meetings a couple of hours out of town, with no train or bus that actually gets me there. Hand over the keys and I'm effectively grounded — and unfortunately that's not a risk I can take with my job on the line. That said, I'd feel terrible leaving you in the lurch. Let me make it up to you: I'll help you track down a rental — there's a reasonable place I've used before — and I'm more than happy to chip in toward the cost. You'll still get your adventure; it just won't be in my old car.
See Difficult Situation worked through, with answers
A complete Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation prompt with every answer explained, and the same prompt answered at CLB 5, 7, 9 and 11. Free, no account needed.
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