CELPIP Speaking Task 4 Fill-in-the-Blank Template
A proven 4-step structure for predicting outcomes. Use varied future tenses, conditional language, and evidence-based reasoning to score higher.
What Is CELPIP Speaking Task 4?
Task 4 tests your ability to look at a situation and logically predict what will happen next, using future tenses and evidence-based reasoning.
Format
You see a picture showing a situation in progress. Your job is to predict what will happen next and explain your reasoning.
Timing
30 seconds to study the picture and plan your predictions, then 60 seconds to deliver your response.
Skills Tested
Future tenses, conditional language, logical reasoning, speculation, and organized delivery.
The 4-Step Template
Fill in the blanks based on any picture prompt. This structure balances description, prediction, and reasoning within 60 seconds.
Opening — Briefly Describe the Current Situation
Spend only 10 seconds summarizing the scene. Your main job is to predict, not describe.
Prediction 1 — Most Likely Outcome with Reasoning
State your strongest prediction first and link it directly to visual evidence.
Prediction 2 — Alternative Outcome with Reasoning
Show range by offering a second prediction. Use conditional language (could, might, if).
Conclusion — Most Likely Overall Outcome
Wrap up by restating which prediction is strongest and why. Do not leave your answer open-ended.
Sample Prompt and Responses
See how varied future tenses and reasoning depth create different CLB levels. Notice the shift from basic “will” statements to nuanced conditional language.
Sample Prompt
“Look at this picture of a family looking at a house for sale with a real estate agent. What do you think will happen next?”
The picture shows a young couple with a child standing on the walkway of a suburban home. A “For Sale” sign is visible on the lawn. A real estate agent is pointing at the house while the family looks on with interest.
Key Features at This Level
- ✓Basic future tense used (will buy, will go, will want)
- ✓Simple reasoning connected to visual cues (they look happy)
- ✓Two predictions provided with basic justification
- ✓Limited variety in future forms — mostly uses 'will'
Common Mistakes vs. Best Practices
Common Mistakes
Only describing without predicting
Spending 40+ seconds describing the picture leaves almost no time for actual predictions. The description is just the setup — predictions are what get scored.
Making unrealistic predictions
“An earthquake will happen and the house will fall down.” — Predictions must be logical and grounded in what the picture actually shows.
Not explaining WHY
“They will buy the house.” without reasoning. Always connect your prediction to visual evidence: “...because their body language shows enthusiasm.”
Using only “will” for every prediction
“They will go inside. They will look at rooms. They will buy it.” — This repetitive structure limits your grammar score. Vary your future forms.
Best Practices
Use varied future forms
Mix “will,” “going to,” “might,” “could,” and “is likely to.” This demonstrates grammatical range and earns higher scores.
Connect every prediction to evidence
Point to specific visual details: body language, facial expressions, objects in the scene. This makes your predictions logical and convincing.
Make 2-3 distinct predictions
One strong prediction plus one alternative shows critical thinking. Present the most likely outcome first, then explore a different possibility.
End with a clear conclusion
Restate which outcome you think is most probable. A strong closing shows coherence and leaves the examiner with a clear impression.
Pro Tips for Task 4
Future Tense Cheat Sheet
- Confident: will, is going to, is certain to
- Probable: will probably, is likely to, there is a good chance that
- Possible: might, could, may, it is possible that
- Conditional: if ___ happens, then ___; unless ___, they will ___
Reasoning Phrases
- Evidence: Based on what I can see..., Judging by their expressions...
- Cause: The reason I say this is..., This is because...
- Contrast: On the other hand..., However, another possibility is...
- Conclusion: Overall, I believe..., In the end, the most likely outcome is...
Time Management (60 Seconds)
0-10s
Brief description of the current scene
10-30s
Main prediction with evidence and reasoning
30-50s
Alternative prediction with conditional language
50-60s
Conclusion — restate most likely outcome
Frequently Asked Questions
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