CELPIP Tips: Speaking Part 6

CELPIP Speaking Part 6 challenges test-takers to respond to a difficult situation—often involving bad news or a disagreement—in a clear, polite, and professional manner. This task evaluates your ability to communicate tactfully, especially when the message may be disappointing to the listener.

In this post, we’ll explore how to reluctantly express bad news using useful grammar structures, vocabulary, and tone strategies that can help you score higher.

🎯 What Is CELPIP Speaking Part 6?

Part 6 is called “Difficult Situation”. You’re given a scenario where you must deliver bad news, refuse a request, or explain a problem. You have 60 seconds to speak, and the key is to sound empathetic, clear, and diplomatic.

 
 

🧠 Strategy: Expressing Bad News Reluctantly

When giving bad news, your goal is to:

  1. Acknowledge the listener’s expectations

  2. Express regret or empathy

  3. Deliver the news clearly

  4. Offer alternatives or solutions (if possible)

🧩 Useful Grammar Structures

Here are some sentence structures that help you sound polite and reluctant:

1. Softening the Message

  • “I’m afraid that…”

  • “Unfortunately, it looks like…”

  • “It seems that we won’t be able to…”

2. Expressing Regret

  • “I really wish I had better news.”

  • “I understand this might be disappointing.”

  • “I’m truly sorry to have to say this…”

3. Explaining the Reason

  • “The reason is that…”

  • “Due to [circumstance], we’re unable to…”

  • “Because of [issue], it’s not possible to…”

4. Offering Alternatives

  • “However, what I can do is…”

  • “One possible solution might be…”

  • “If it helps, we could try…”

🧾 Vocabulary for Diplomatic Communication

Here’s a list of vocabulary that helps you sound tactful and professional:

Regret: unfortunately, I’m afraid, I wish, I’m sorry

Empathy: I understand, I realize, I know this is hard

Limitation: unable to, not possible, restricted by

Alternatives: instead, alternatively, another option

Politeness: would it be possible, may I suggest, perhaps

🗣 Sample Response

Scenario: Your friend asked you to help them move this weekend, but you already have plans.

“Hi, I really appreciate you thinking of me, and I’d love to help out. Unfortunately, I’ve already committed to something this weekend, and I won’t be available. I truly wish I could be there to support you. If it helps, I can come by next week to help you unpack or organize. Let me know what works best!”

✅ Final Tips

  • Practice sounding natural: Record yourself and listen for tone and pacing.

  • Use transition words: They help your response flow smoothly.

  • Stay calm and polite: Even when the message is negative, your tone should be respectful.

Zach J