Task 4: Making Predictions

What happens in Task 4

• You describe what you think will happen in the next few moments, based on clues in the picture.
• There is no single right answer, but predictions should be logical.

Tips for a higher score

• Make three or four predictions about different people in the picture.
• Vary future forms: will, is going to, might, is likely to.
• Explain the clue behind each prediction: "because the sky is getting dark".

Common mistakes

• Describing the picture again instead of predicting.

Task 4 template

1. Opening. Say in one sentence that you'll predict what happens next in the scene. About 5 seconds.
   • Based on what's going on in the picture, here's what I think will happen next.
   • I think a few things are about to happen.
   • In the next few minutes,...
   • Looking at this scene, I can imagine...
2. Prediction 1 + clue. Pick the most obvious situation in the picture, predict what happens and name the clue that tells you. About 15 seconds.
   • The man on the left is probably going to...
   • Since the sky is getting dark,...
   • I bet that...
   • Judging by..., I think...
3. Prediction 2 + clue. Move to a different person or area and vary your future form. About 15 seconds.
   • As for the woman near the counter, she'll most likely...
   • It looks like... is about to...
   • There's a good chance that...
   • Because..., she might...
4. Prediction 3 + clue. Add one more prediction, ideally a small consequence or a reaction from another person. About 15 seconds.
   • Then, I imagine...
   • When that happens,...
   • After that, they'll probably...
   • I wouldn't be surprised if...
5. Closing. Wrap up with a short overall prediction about how the scene ends. About 5–10 seconds.
   • All in all, I think...
   • In the end, everyone will probably...
   • So overall, it'll likely turn out...
   • By the end of the day,...

Task 4 vocabulary and useful phrases

Sample question and answer

Sample answer (transcript): estimated CLB 9–10

Why it scores well

• Task Fulfillment: Makes predictions about three different parts of the picture instead of describing it again.
• Content/Coherence: Each prediction is tied to a clue (the whistle, the sandcastle near the water, the heat), and some lead to a follow-up event.
• Vocabulary: Varies future forms: "is about to", "is likely to", "is going to", "might", "I wouldn't be surprised if".
• Listenability: Linking words such as "meanwhile" and "as for" guide the listener smoothly from one prediction to the next.

The same question at a lower level

Sample answer (transcript): estimated CLB 6–7

What holds it back

• Task Fulfillment: Makes several logical predictions about different people, but the last one is vague and the answer ends early.
• Content/Coherence: Only the lifeguard prediction is backed by a clue from the picture; the others are guesses without reasons.
• Vocabulary: Uses "will" in almost every sentence instead of mixing in "is about to", "might" or "is likely to".
• Listenability: Mostly clear and accurate, though the sentences are simple and the closing line adds nothing.

These are original CELPass examples. The CLBs are our estimates, not official CELPIP scores.

More Task 4 sample answers (69 questions)

Each question has a plan and three sample answers, around CLB 4–5, 7–8 and 11–12, with notes on each level.

• Cyclist About to Hit a Camera Tripod at a Cherry Blossom Photo Shoot
• Chalk Bag About to Fall on a Man Tying His Shoe at a Climbing Gym
• Beach Ball About to Knock Nachos out of a Man’s Hands at an Outdoor Concert
• Boy About to Run into a Woman Carrying Popcorn in a Movie Theatre Lobby
• Clay About to Fly off a Pottery Wheel at a Community Art Class
• a Big Bookstore
• A bustling farmer's market
• A busy coffee shop in the morning
• A busy kitchen
• A busy urban park at sunset
• A Community Garden
• A crowded train station

All Task 4 sample answers

Task 4 practice questions

1. Using the same farmers' market scene (a vendor weighing apples, a man playing guitar, a line at a coffee stand, and a child chasing a dog that has a scarf in its mouth), predict what will probably happen next.
2. Look at the holiday kitchen scene again: a woman is taking a turkey out of the oven, two children are setting the table, a teenager is on a phone by the fridge, and a pot is boiling over on the stove. What do you think will happen next?
3. In the airport scene, a family with three suitcases is rushing to the counter, an employee is making an announcement, a man is asleep across several seats, and luggage is being loaded onto a plane. Predict what will happen in the next few minutes.
4. In the library scene, a librarian is helping an elderly woman at a computer, students are studying at a crowded table, a toddler is pulling books off a shelf, and a man is at the book return. What do you think will happen next?
5. In the winter park scene, children are building a snowman, a couple is skating, a man is shovelling a path and a vendor is selling hot chocolate while dark clouds move in. Predict what will probably happen next.

Speaking Task 4 questions, answered

More CELPIP Speaking

• Task 1: Giving Advice
• Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience
• Task 3: Describing a Scene
• Task 5: Comparing and Persuading (next)
• Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
• Task 7: Expressing Opinions
• Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation