At a glance
- Skill
- Speaking
- Preparation time
- 1 min
- Time to speak
- 1 min
What you need to do
In Speaking Task 6, you read about an awkward situation — for example, two plans on the same day, or a problem with a roommate or co-worker. You choose one of two people to talk to, and then speak to them.
This task tests how well you handle a sensitive conversation in English: explaining a problem honestly, staying polite and finding a solution.
There is no "right" person to choose. What matters is that you talk to the person you picked in a way that fits the relationship, and that you find a way forward together.
What you'll see on the test
- The situation appears with two choices, such as "talk to your friend" or "talk to your manager".
- You choose one while you prepare. You have 60 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.
- You speak directly to the person you chose.
What the test is looking for
Content and coherence
A clear explanation of the problem, your reasons and a realistic solution, in a logical order.
Vocabulary
Polite, tactful language: apologizing, explaining and suggesting.
Listenability
How easy you are to follow: speaking smoothly without long pauses, clear sentences and good grammar control.
Task fulfillment
Speaking to the person you chose, in a tone that suits them (a manager or a close friend), and offering a solution.
Step-by-step strategy
- 1
Choose the person you can talk to most easily
Both choices are fine. Pick the one where you can explain the situation and offer a clear solution.
- 2
Plan three parts
1) Explain the situation. 2) Give your reason honestly. 3) Offer a solution or compromise.
- 3
Match your tone to the person
Be respectful and professional with a manager or teacher, and warm and friendly with a friend or family member.
- 4
Soften difficult news
Use polite phrases like "I'm really sorry, but…" and "I hope you understand…".
- 5
End with a solution
Suggest something concrete: another day, another person who can help, or a way to make it up.
Useful phrases
Starting politely
- “Do you have a minute? I need to talk to you about something.”
- “I'm really sorry, but I have a problem with…”
Explaining
- “The thing is, …”
- “I promised… before I knew about…”
- “I hope you understand that…”
Offering solutions
- “Would it be OK if…?”
- “How about if I…?”
- “Maybe we could…”
- “I'd be happy to… instead.”
Common mistakes
Talking about both people at once.
Choose one person and speak only to them.
Sounding rude or too direct.
Use polite phrases to soften bad news, especially with a manager or someone older.
Explaining the problem but not solving it.
Always offer at least one solution or compromise.
Using the same tone for everyone.
"Hey, can't make it!" is fine for a close friend, but not for your manager.
Examples with answers
Example 1
Task
You borrowed your friend Emma's camera for a trip and dropped it by accident. Now the screen is cracked. Your brother thinks you should return it without saying anything. You chose: talk to Emma.
Sample answer (what the speaker says)
Hi Emma, thanks so much again for lending me your camera — the photos from the trip look amazing. But I have to tell you something, and I feel terrible about it. On the last day, I was taking a picture by the lake, and the camera slipped out of my hands. It still works, but the screen is cracked. I'm really, really sorry. I know how much you love that camera. Of course, I'll pay for the repair. I already called a camera shop downtown, and they said they can fix the screen in about a week. If you'd like, I can drop it off tomorrow and pick it up for you when it's ready. Or, if you'd prefer to take it to your own shop, just send me the bill. Again, I'm so sorry, and I hope you're not too upset.
Why it works: The speaker is honest and apologizes sincerely, which fits a conversation with a friend. They explain what happened clearly, take responsibility, and offer a practical solution with two choices. The tone is warm but serious. It fills about 60 seconds.
Example 2
Task
Your roommate often invites friends over late at night. This week you have important exams and can't sleep. You chose: talk to your roommate.
Sample answer (what the speaker says)
Hey Jordan, do you have a minute? There's something I wanted to talk to you about. I know you like having your friends over, and honestly, they're really nice. But this week is really hard for me, because I have three big exams. The thing is, when everyone is here late at night, I can't sleep, and I'm really tired in class the next day. I didn't want to say anything before, but it's starting to affect my grades. Would it be possible to have people over earlier this week, maybe before ten? Or you could meet at a friend's place until Friday. After my last exam, I'm happy to have everyone over — I'll even make dinner! I hope that's OK. Thanks for understanding.
Why it works: The speaker is friendly and relaxed, which suits a roommate, but still explains the problem clearly with a real reason. They avoid blaming, suggest two practical solutions, and end on a positive note. It fills about 60 seconds.
Questions students ask
Which person should I choose in Task 6?
Either one. Choose the person you can explain the situation to most clearly and offer a good solution to. Raters don't prefer one choice.
How long is Speaking Task 6?
In StudyPIP practice you get 60 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak, and you make your choice during the preparation time.
Do I need to apologize?
Often it helps, because the situation usually involves disappointing someone. But the most important part is explaining clearly and offering a solution.
Can I say I'll do both things?
You can offer a compromise, like helping for part of the day, but it should be realistic. The task is about handling the conflict politely, not avoiding it.