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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.

6 min read
Key strategies
  • 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

  1. Acknowledge the situation and the other person's position: "I know how much this means to you…"
  2. State your decision clearly but gently.
  3. Explain your reasons honestly.
  4. 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.

CLB 7 — Clear, polite
Prompt

Your friend wants to borrow your car for a road trip, but you need it for work that weekend. Tell your friend your decision.

Model answer
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.
Why this is CLB 7: Makes a clear decision, explains the reason, stays polite, and offers an alternative. Diplomatic and well organized for CLB 7.
CLB 9 — Tactful, natural
Prompt

Your friend wants to borrow your car for a road trip, but you need it for work that weekend. Tell your friend your decision.

Model answer
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.
Why this is CLB 9: Warm, genuinely tactful ('I don't want to leave you hanging'), a clear reason, and a concrete softener (help + offer to split costs). Mature and natural.
CLB 11 — Diplomatic, polished
Prompt

Your friend wants to borrow your car for a road trip, but you need it for work that weekend. Tell your friend your decision.

Model answer
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.
Why this is CLB 11: Exceptionally diplomatic ('I hate to be the bearer of bad news', 'leaving you in the lurch'), a firm decision, a sound reason, and a generous remedy. Sophisticated, kind, and controlled.

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