CELPIP Speaking Task 4: Making Predictions, with sample answers
Task 4 shows the same scene as Task 3 and asks what will most likely happen next. You get 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.
The task at a glance
Time to prepare
30 seconds
Time to speak
60 seconds
Picture
Yes, shown on screen
A structure that works
Start from what the picture shows: one or two details that point to what comes next.
Make two or three predictions, each tied to a detail with "because".
Use future forms, like "will", "is going to" and "will probably".
Close with the outcome you think is most likely.
Sample tasks with model answers
Original practice tasks in the test's format. Start the timer and answer out loud, then read the model answer.
Task
Look at the picture of a campground. What do you think will most likely happen next to the people in it? Explain why you think so.
Like all media in our tests, this picture is AI-generated.
Answer out loud while the timer runs. This page does not record or score you.
Model answer, written by MapleMock
I think a few things are about to happen in this picture. First, the two kids at the front are holding their marshmallows really close to the flames, so I'd guess at least one marshmallow will catch fire in a second, and the kids will either blow it out and laugh, or drop it in the fire. Second, the man next to the tent looks confused, scratching his head, so I think he'll give up trying on his own and go over to the woman at the picnic table to ask for help. Maybe she'll put down her map and show him what he did wrong. The teenager in the red canoe is very close to the dock now, so he'll probably tie up the canoe and come back to the campsite. And since the fire is already going, I expect everyone will soon sit together around it for the evening.
Task
Look at the picture of a train platform. What do you think will most likely happen next to the people in it? Explain why you think so.
Like all media in our tests, this picture is AI-generated.
Answer out loud while the timer runs. This page does not record or score you.
Model answer, written by MapleMock
Looking at this picture, I think a few things will happen very soon. The man in the uniform who's running with his coffee is clearly late, and the train doors are still open, so I think he'll just manage to jump on before they close, but he'll probably spill his coffee on the way. The woman kneeling by her suitcase has things all over the snow, so she'll quickly push everything back in, and I'm a little worried she might miss the train. Maybe the conductor will see her and ask the driver to wait a moment, since he's standing right there. The older man feeding the pigeons will probably stay on his bench, because he doesn't seem to be in a hurry at all. And the worker in the orange jacket will keep shovelling, since the snow is falling so heavily that the platform will be covered again in a few minutes.
Common mistakes
Describing the picture again instead of saying what happens next.
Predictions with no reason from the picture.
Stopping after a single prediction.
Practise it on the clock
Speaking practice is coming soon. The free Listening & Reading mock is open now.
