What You'll Learn
- Understand the Task 4 format and scoring criteria for making predictions
- Master a four-part response template for organizing your predictions
- Use future tense forms and modal verbs correctly to express possibility
- Apply speculation phrases to show critical thinking skills
- Practice delivering complete 60-second prediction responses
At a Glance
- Task Type: Predict what happens next
- Preparation: 30 seconds
- Response Time: 60 seconds
- Focus: Future tense & reasoning
Task 4 tests your ability to analyze a situation and make logical predictions. You’ll see a single image showing people in a specific scenario, then predict what will happen next.
The key to success is providing two distinct predictions with clear reasoning for each. Examiners look for future tense accuracy, logical thinking, and vocabulary range.
Understanding the Task Format
You see an image for 30 seconds while preparing your response. The image typically shows people in mid-action: someone about to make a decision, facing a problem, or starting an activity.
Your job is to predict what happens next based on visual clues. You must speak for the full 60 seconds without repeating yourself.
What Examiners Assess
CLB 9+ candidates make specific, detailed predictions with sophisticated reasoning. They use varied modal verbs (might, could, may, will probably) and connect predictions to observable details in the image.
Common Image Scenarios
- Someone deciding between options at a store or restaurant
- A person facing a workplace challenge or problem
- Friends planning an activity together
- An individual preparing for an event or trip
- Someone dealing with weather or environmental conditions
The Four-Part Response Template
Structure your 60-second response into four clear segments. This template ensures you cover all requirements without rambling.
1. Describe the Current Situation (10-15 seconds)
Start by briefly describing what you see. This demonstrates comprehension and sets context for your predictions.
Example opener: “In this image, I can see a young woman standing in a bookstore, holding two different books and looking at them carefully.”
2. First Prediction + Reasoning (20 seconds)
Make your first prediction and explain why you think this will happen. Connect your reasoning to specific details in the image.
Example: “I predict that she will probably purchase the book in her right hand. It looks like a novel based on the colourful cover, and her facial expression suggests she’s more interested in this one.”
Strong predictions always include observable evidence from the image plus logical reasoning about human behaviour or common situations.
3. Second Prediction + Reasoning (20 seconds)
Offer an alternative prediction with different reasoning. This shows critical thinking and earns higher scores.
Example: “On the other hand, she might decide not to buy either book today. Perhaps she’s on a budget or wants to check reviews online first before making her final decision.”
4. Concluding Thought (5-10 seconds)
Wrap up with a brief summary or final observation. This signals completion and adds polish.
Example: “Whatever she decides, it’s clear she’s taking her time to make a thoughtful choice.”
Timing Pitfall
Don’t rush through sections 1-2 and leave 30 seconds of silence. Practice with a timer until each segment flows naturally and fills your 60 seconds.
Essential Grammar: Future Forms and Modals
Task 4 requires accurate future tense and modal verbs to express different levels of certainty.
Modal Verbs for Predictions
- Will / will probably: high certainty (80-90%)
- Might / may / could: moderate certainty (40-60%)
- Might not / may not: negative possibility
- Is likely to / is unlikely to: formal probability expressions
Examples:
- “He will likely ask his friend for advice.”
- “They might decide to postpone their plans.”
- “She could choose the less expensive option.”
- “The weather may not improve by afternoon.”
Speculation Phrases
These phrases introduce predictions smoothly and show analytical thinking:
- “It looks like…”
- “Based on what I see…”
- “I predict that…”
- “It seems likely that…”
- “There’s a good chance…”
- “It appears that…”
- “Judging by…”
Grammar Essentials
- Use at least 3 different modal verbs in your response
- Combine modals with probably/likely for nuanced predictions
- Include 2-3 speculation phrases to introduce predictions
- Maintain consistent future time frame throughout
- Avoid present tense when discussing what will happen
Strategy: Making Logical Predictions
Your predictions must be reasonable and specific. Avoid vague statements or wild guesses.
Analyze Visual Clues
Look for these details during your 30-second preparation:
- Facial expressions: happy, worried, confused, excited?
- Body language: pointing, hesitating, reaching for something?
- Objects and environment: what’s available? What’s the setting?
- Other people: who’s involved? What are they doing?
- Context clues: season, time of day, location type?
Build Cause-Effect Reasoning
Connect what you see to logical outcomes:
Visual clue: Person holding an umbrella, looking at dark clouds
Prediction: “It will probably start raining soon, so she’ll open her umbrella.”
Visual clue: Student surrounded by textbooks, looking tired
Prediction: “He might take a break because he appears exhausted from studying.”
Boost Your Score
CLB 10+ responses include contrasting predictions (optimistic vs. realistic, or two different but equally logical outcomes). Use transitional phrases like “On the other hand” or “Alternatively” to signal your second prediction.
Sample Task and Model Response
Practice: Making Predictions
Prompt: Predict what will happen next in this situation.
Show Model Response →
Model Response (CLB 9-10):
“In this image, I can see a businessman in a coffee shop checking his watch, and he looks quite worried. There’s heavy traffic visible through the window behind him.
I predict that he will probably leave the coffee shop immediately and try to find an alternative route to his destination. Based on his concerned facial expression and the fact that he’s checking the time, it seems likely he’s running late for an important meeting or appointment. He might use a navigation app on his phone to avoid the traffic congestion.
On the other hand, he could decide to stay in the coffee shop and contact his colleagues or clients to let them know he’ll be delayed. This would be the sensible option if the traffic is too heavy to navigate quickly. He may even suggest rescheduling the meeting or conducting it virtually instead.
Whatever he chooses, it’s clear that the traffic situation has created a stressful problem that requires immediate action.”
Why this works:
- Clear four-part structure (situation → prediction 1 → prediction 2 → conclusion)
- Multiple modal verbs (will probably, might, could, may)
- Specific reasoning tied to observable details
- Smooth transitions between predictions
- Appropriate 60-second length with no filler
Practice: Predicting at a Job Interview
Prompt: Predict what will happen next in this situation.
Show Model Response →
Model Response (CLB 9-10):
“In this image, I can see a young woman who appears to be in the middle of a job interview. She’s dressed professionally and seems confident, using hand gestures as she responds to a question. Two interviewers are seated across from her, one taking notes and the other reviewing her resume.
I predict that the interview will probably go well for this candidate. Based on the fact that the interviewer on the left is nodding while writing, it seems likely that he’s impressed with her answers. Her relaxed body language and natural smile suggest she has prepared thoroughly, so there’s a good chance she will move on to the next round of the hiring process.
Alternatively, the interviewers could shift to more challenging questions in the coming minutes. Given that the second interviewer is still reviewing her resume, he might ask her to elaborate on specific work experience or explain a gap in her employment history. This could change the dynamic of the conversation and put more pressure on the candidate.
Regardless of the outcome, it’s clear that she has made a strong first impression, and the rest of the interview will likely depend on how she handles the tougher questions ahead.”
Why This Works:
- Opens by establishing the current scenario with specific visual details
- First prediction connects observable clues (nodding, note-taking) to a logical outcome
- Second prediction offers a genuinely different direction, not just a rephrased version
- Uses varied modals throughout: “will probably,” “seems likely,” “could,” “might”
- Speculation phrases flow naturally: “Based on the fact that,” “Given that,” “There’s a good chance”
- Concludes with a balanced summary that ties both predictions together
Practice: Predicting at a Rainy Outdoor Event
Prompt: Predict what will happen next in this situation.
Show Model Response →
Model Response (CLB 9-10):
“This image shows an outdoor community barbecue in a park, but the weather is clearly about to change. Dark clouds are rolling in, the trees are bending from the wind, and several people are already reacting to the conditions.
It looks like rain is going to arrive very soon, so I predict the organizers will probably start moving everything under the large tent in the background. The two volunteers who are already folding up the banner seem to be preparing for this, and the man grilling burgers will likely cover the grill or relocate it to a sheltered area. Judging by his worried expression, he’s already thinking about how to protect the food.
On the other hand, there’s a possibility that the families at the picnic tables may decide to leave the event entirely. The woman reaching for her jacket is a clear sign that people are getting uncomfortable, and if the rain is heavy, it could be difficult to fit everyone under the tent. Some families might choose to pack up their belongings and head to their cars rather than wait out the storm.
Either way, the relaxed atmosphere of this barbecue is about to change dramatically, and the next few minutes will likely be quite hectic as everyone scrambles to respond to the weather.”
Why This Works:
- Describes the scene briefly, highlighting the key visual tension (incoming storm)
- First prediction is specific and grounded in observable actions (volunteers folding, chef looking up)
- Second prediction contrasts meaningfully: staying vs. leaving
- Uses a range of speculation phrases: “It looks like,” “Judging by,” “There’s a possibility”
- Modal variety is strong: “will probably,” “will likely,” “may decide,” “might choose,” “could be”
- Closing sentence ties back to the central tension and wraps up naturally
Self-Check
- I described the current situation in 10-15 seconds
- I made two distinct predictions with different reasoning
- I used at least 3 different modal verbs (will, might, could, may)
- I included speculation phrases like "It looks like" or "Based on what I see"
- I connected predictions to specific visual details
- I spoke for the full 60 seconds without long pauses
5-6 checks = CLB 9+, 3-4 checks = CLB 7-8
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Prediction Pitfalls
Don’t describe only the present: Task 4 requires future predictions, not present-tense descriptions. Don’t make impossible predictions: Keep scenarios realistic and logical. Don’t repeat the same idea: Two predictions must be genuinely different, not reworded versions of the same outcome.
Practice this task type with a variety of images until your four-part structure becomes automatic. Strong prediction skills demonstrate advanced critical thinking: a key indicator of CLB 9+ proficiency.