CELPIP Speaking Task 4: Making Predictions
Task 4 is paired with Task 3 and often uses the same or a related picture. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to predict what will happen next in the scene.
Practice Task 4 FreeTask 4 Overview
Preparation Time
30 seconds
Speaking Time
60 seconds
In Task 4, you look at a picture and predict what will happen next. Give at least two possible predictions with reasons, then state which one you think is most likely. This task requires speculative language and the ability to reason about a situation.
Task 4 Response Template
- 1Opening: Briefly describe the current situation shown.
- 2Prediction 1: State what you think will happen next and why.
- 3Prediction 2: Offer an alternative possibility.
- 4Conclusion: Say which prediction is most likely.
Sample Prompts and Answers
Prompt:
Look at this picture and predict what will happen next. (Imagine: a student sitting at a desk with textbooks, looking stressed, with a clock showing late night)
Sample Answer:
Based on what I see in this picture, I think a few things are likely to happen next. The student appears to be studying very late at night and looks quite stressed and exhausted. My first prediction is that she will probably decide to take a short break. She might get up, stretch, and make herself a cup of coffee or tea to help her stay focused. This is a common strategy when people feel overwhelmed by studying. Another possibility is that she will realize she cannot absorb any more information tonight and decide to go to bed. She looks so tired that continuing might not be productive anyway, and getting some sleep could help her remember what she has already studied. I think the most likely outcome is the second one. When you reach that level of exhaustion, pushing through often does more harm than good. She will probably set an alarm to wake up early and review her notes in the morning when her mind is fresh.
Prompt:
Look at this picture and predict what will happen next. (Imagine: a family loading suitcases into a car in front of their house)
Sample Answer:
In this picture, I can see a family putting suitcases into their car. It looks like they are getting ready for a trip. I think they will probably drive to the airport because they have quite a lot of luggage. They might be going on a vacation somewhere far away, maybe to another country or a beach destination. Another possibility is that they are going on a road trip. Some families prefer driving to their vacation spot, especially if they have young children. I think the first prediction is more likely because of the number of suitcases. They look like they are packed for a longer trip, which usually means flying somewhere.
Task 4 Tips
- 1
Use speculative language throughout
Phrases like "I think", "probably", "might", "it is likely that", and "I believe" are essential for predictions. They show you understand the task and demonstrate vocabulary range.
- 2
Always give at least two predictions
Offering multiple possibilities shows critical thinking. Present your main prediction first, then an alternative, then conclude with which is most likely.
- 3
Support each prediction with a reason
Do not just say "they will go to the airport." Say "they will probably go to the airport because they have a lot of luggage, which suggests a longer trip."
- 4
Start by briefly describing what you see
A one-sentence overview of the scene gives context for your predictions and helps you transition smoothly into speculative language.
Related CELPIP Resources
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