A structure that works
- Greet the person and say why you're speaking to them.
- Explain the situation using every detail from the prompt.
- Ask, apologise, suggest or offer something specific.
- Close politely.
Situation 1
Your manager has asked you to finish a report by tomorrow, but you have just been asked to help a customer with an urgent problem that will take most of the day. What would you say to your manager?
Sample answer: Hi Sarah, I wanted to give you a heads-up. I've just been asked to help a customer with an urgent issue, and it looks like it'll take most of today. That means I may not be able to finish the report by tomorrow. Could I have until Thursday, or would you prefer I hand part of it to someone else? I'm happy to do whichever works best for you.
Situation 2
You borrowed a friend's car for the weekend and accidentally scratched the door while parking. You are returning the car now. What would you say to your friend?
Sample answer: Hey Tom, thanks so much for lending me the car. I have to be honest though: I scratched the passenger door while parking yesterday. I'm really sorry. I'd like to pay to get it fixed, so if you're happy to, could we get a quote from a panel beater this week? Again, I'm really sorry about it.
Situation 3
A new classmate looks lost on the first day of semester and asks you where the library is. You know it's in the building next to the main car park. What would you say?
Sample answer: Hi! Yes, no worries. The library's in the building right next to the main car park. If you go out these doors and turn left, you'll see the car park straight ahead, and the library's the big glass building beside it. If you need your student card printed, there's a service desk just inside. Good luck with your first day!
Situation 4
Your neighbour often parks their car across your driveway, and this morning you were late for work because you couldn't get out. What would you say to your neighbour?
Sample answer: Hi Jenny, sorry to bother you. Your car was parked across my driveway this morning, and I couldn't get my car out, so I ended up late for work. I'm sure it wasn't intentional, but would you mind leaving the driveway clear in future? If parking's tight, I'm happy to help work something out. Thanks for understanding.
Situation 5
Your housemate has been leaving dishes in the sink for several days, and you have friends coming over tomorrow evening. What would you say to your housemate?
Sample answer: Hey Alex, have you got a sec? I've noticed the dishes have been piling up in the sink for a few days. I've got some friends coming over tomorrow evening, so would you be able to wash them before then? If it helps, maybe we could set up a simple roster so we both know whose turn it is. Thanks, I really appreciate it.
Situation 6
You were supposed to meet your lecturer at 2 pm today to discuss your assignment, but your train has been cancelled and you will be 30 minutes late. You call your lecturer. What would you say?
Sample answer: Hello Dr Patel, it's Mei Lin from your Tuesday tutorial. I'm really sorry, but my train has just been cancelled, so I'll be about thirty minutes late for our two o'clock meeting about my assignment. Would it still be possible to meet at two-thirty, or would you prefer to reschedule for another time this week? Again, I apologise for the inconvenience.
Situation 7
You booked a table for six people at a restaurant for Saturday night to celebrate a friend's birthday, but now only four people can come. You call the restaurant. What would you say?
Sample answer: Hi, I have a booking for Saturday night at seven under the name Sandeep, for six people. Unfortunately two of our guests can't make it now, so could I please change the booking to four people? It's for a friend's birthday, so if it's possible to keep a table near the window that would be lovely. Thanks very much for your help.
Practise with your own voice
Try new situations on the Respond to a Situation practice page or in a full PTE mock test. Your recording stays on your device.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have for Respond to a Situation?
You get 10 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to speak.
What tone should I use?
Match the person: polite and professional for a manager, lecturer or customer; friendly for a friend or housemate. Always use every detail from the situation.