CELPIP Speaking
Task 4 of 8
Making Predictions
Using the same image from the previous task, you predict what will happen next. It tests future forms and reasoning — saying what's likely and why, not just what you see.
- to prepare
- 30 s
- to speak
- 60 s
- criteria scored
- 4
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What a Task 4 prompt looks like
An example written by Celpip Plus in the same shape as the real speaking task, with notes on how to read it.
Look again at the farmers' market picturenote 1. Say what you think will most likely happen nextnote 2, and give reasons based on what you can seenote 3.
- 1 The same picture: don't describe it again. Use it as evidence for what comes next.
- 2 Most likely: predict what follows from the scene. A twist with no clue in the picture is weaker.
- 3 Reasons: tie each prediction to a detail: "Because the leash is caught, the sign will probably fall over."
How to prepare for Making Predictions
- Use future forms confidently — will, going to, and might — since predicting what happens next is the core of this task.
- Base your predictions on clues visible in the same scene, so your guesses feel grounded rather than random.
- Offer a few linked predictions with brief reasons to fill the time and show developed Content.
What raters listen for in Task 4
- Content/CoherenceTwo or three predictions, each linked to a detail in the scene and to each other ("After that", "Meanwhile").
- VocabularyA range of future forms: "is going to", "will probably", "might", "is about to".
- ListenabilityClear pronunciation and accurate sentence structure, with few restarts while you think of the next prediction.
- Task FulfillmentTalks about what happens next, not what is happening now, and fills the 60 seconds.
For how the four criteria turn into a CELPIP level from 1 to 12, read How CELPIP Speaking is scored.
Keep going with Speaking Task 4
Practise on the real interface
The same screen, timer and controls as test day — rebuilt so nothing on the exam is a surprise.
Making Predictions: frequently asked questions
Use future forms such as will and going to, along with modals like might or could, to talk about what is likely to happen next.
Base them on the details of the same scene you just described, so your predictions connect logically to what is already in the image.
You get 30 seconds to prepare, then 60 seconds to speak in CELPIP Speaking Task 4.
There is no right answer to predict; you are assessed on how clearly and plausibly you express what might happen, not on being correct.
The rest of the Speaking test
- Giving Advice, 30 s to prepare, 90 s to speak
- Talking about a Personal Experience, 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak
- Describing a Scene, 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak
- Making Predictions, 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak
- Comparing and Persuading, 60 s to choose, 60 s to prepare, 60 s to speak
- Dealing with a Difficult Situation, 60 s to prepare, 60 s to speak
- Expressing Opinions, 30 s to prepare, 90 s to speak
- Describing an Unusual Situation, 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak