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CELPIP Speaking · Task 4

Making Predictions

Practise CELPIP Speaking Task 4 predictions by linking visible clues to plausible next events with reasons and uncertainty language.

Start Task 4 practiceRead the Task 4 speaking guide

What this task is really testing

Making Predictions builds on visual observation but asks you to move forward in time. Strong predictions are connected to visible evidence and expressed with an appropriate degree of certainty.

Select several clear visual clues and convert each into a prediction chain: clue → likely next event → reason or consequence. Use language such as probably, likely, may or seems as appropriate rather than presenting every guess as certain.

Your practice target

Record a fresh Task 4 response with multiple distinct predictions. For each prediction, identify the visible clue that makes it reasonable. Remove predictions that could apply to almost any picture.

A repeatable approach

1

Start from visible evidence

Before predicting, identify what is happening now. A good prediction grows from an action, object, expression or situation in the image.

2

Predict consequences, not fantasies

Choose likely next steps that follow naturally from the scene. Imaginative ideas are less useful if the image gives no support for them.

3

Vary certainty

Use stronger language for highly likely outcomes and softer language for uncertain ones. This makes the response more precise and natural.

Focused drill

For each image, produce three one-line chains: Because I can see X, Y will probably happen. Then expand the strongest chains into a full response with consequences and transitions.

Common mistakes

  • Describing only what is happening now without predicting what comes next.
  • Making dramatic predictions with no visible support.
  • Using definitely for uncertain events.
  • Repeating the same prediction in different words to fill time.

Review after every attempt

  • Does every prediction connect to a visible clue?
  • Are my predictions distinct rather than repetitive?
  • Did I explain why or what consequence may follow?
  • Does my certainty language match the evidence?
  • Did I spend enough time predicting rather than only describing?

Progress signal

How to know the practice is transferring

You are improving when each prediction has a clear evidence chain and you can generate several plausible next events without drifting into unsupported storytelling.

Practise Making Predictions

Frequently asked questions

How is Speaking Task 4 different from describing a scene?

Scene description focuses on what is visible now. Making Predictions uses visible clues to explain what is likely to happen next.

Can predictions be wrong?

The exercise is not about knowing the future. The important preparation skill is making plausible predictions that are clearly connected to evidence in the image and explained coherently.

What phrases help express uncertainty?

Natural options include probably, likely, may, might, seems likely and I expect, depending on how strongly the image supports the prediction.

CELPIP-General Speaking currently contains eight tasks and takes about 15 minutes overall. Practise producing complete, organized responses on fresh prompts rather than memorizing a fixed script.

Check the latest official format on the CELPIP Test Format page. MyCELPIP is an independent preparation platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by CELPIP, Paragon Testing Enterprises or Prometric.