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Back to Speaking Task 6

Practice Task 1 — A conflict between work and a promise

Task 6 · Dealing with a Difficult Situation — handle an awkward interpersonal situation with a choice of who to speak to

Speaking Task 6Dealing with a Difficult SituationSPK-T6-01Intermediate
60s prepare · 60s speak

You have 60 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak. You must choose one person to speak to. Explain the situation, apologise or explain politely, and suggest a solution.

Listen to the task prompt. Two fixed voices: a female examiner and a male situation narrator.

You cannot attend your friend's birthday dinner because of a work emergency. Choose to speak to your friend or your manager.

A conflict between work and a promise.

Points to cover

  • • explain the conflict honestly
  • • apologise and suggest another date
  • • offer a way to make it up

You get 60 seconds to prepare, then 60 seconds to speak. Everything here works offline — no AI needed.

  1. 1. Explain the problem
  2. 2. Explain your immediate concern
  3. 3. Suggest a solution
  4. 4. Explain the consequences
  5. 5. Give an alternative
  6. 6. Conclude politely

Sentence template

Hi ___, I'm calling because ___. Unfortunately, ___, so ___. I'm really sorry about the inconvenience. What I'd suggest is ___. If that doesn't work, we could also ___. Please let me know what works best for you.