CELPIP Speaking Task 4 Template: Making Predictions

Goal

Look at the same picture from Task 3 and predict what will happen next based on what you see, in 60 seconds. You get 30 seconds to prepare. This task tests your ability to use future tenses and conditional reasoning.

What the Examiner Looks For

Sample Prompt

Every step below reuses the same prompt so you can watch one scenario travel through the full template.

Prompt: Look at the picture (same as Task 3) of a farmers’ market. Predict what will happen next.

Step 1: Opening, Briefly Recap and Set Up Predictions

Goal: Briefly reference the scene you described in Task 3, then signal that you will now make predictions. About 10–15 seconds.

Grammar Booster: Present Continuous vs. Present Simple for Scene Reference

The Template

• Scene reference: Looking at this picture, I can see [brief recap of the key situation].
• Transition to predictions: Based on what’s happening, I think several things will happen next.

Example: Looking at this picture, I can see a busy farmers’ market with a woman selecting tomatoes, an elderly man selling bread, and children running around. It looks like a popular weekend morning market. Based on what I see, I think several things will happen next.

Step 2: Main Predictions, What Will Happen Next

Goal: Make 3 specific predictions about what will happen, using varied future forms. This is the core, about 35-40 seconds.

Grammar Booster: The Hierarchy of Future Forms

Show grammatical range by using different future structures for each prediction:

Grammar Booster: First Conditional for Cause-and-Effect Predictions

Formula: If + Present Simple, … will / might / should + Base Verb

Use this to explain why you think something will happen:

Examples:

• If the weather stays warm, more shoppers will arrive later in the morning.
• If the children keep running around, they might knock over a display.
• If the vendors sell out quickly, they will probably pack up early.

The Template

• Prediction 1 (Certain): I believe that [person] will [action]. [Reason/evidence from the picture].
• Prediction 2 (Probable): [Person] is probably going to [action] because [reason].
• Prediction 3 (Possible): [Person] might also [action]. If [condition], [result].

Example: First of all, I believe the woman in the straw hat will buy a large bag of fresh tomatoes. Since she is carefully selecting them from the crate, she is probably going to choose the ripest ones and fill her canvas bag with them.

Secondly, the market is likely to become even more crowded as the morning goes on, because it seems to be a very popular event. If more people arrive, the vendors will probably sell out of their most popular items, like the fresh bread and baguettes.

Finally, the two children running between the stalls might get hungry soon. If they stop running around, they may ask their parents to buy them something to eat from one of the food stalls.

Step 3: Closing, Final Thought or Overall Prediction

Goal: Wrap up with a general prediction about the outcome. About 5–10 seconds.

Grammar Booster: Future Perfect for Projected Completion

Formula: Subject + will have + Past Participle (V3)

Use this to predict what will be completed by a certain time:

Examples:

• By the end of the morning, the vendors will have sold most of their fresh produce.
• By noon, every customer will have found something to take home.
• By the time the market closes, the musician will have entertained the entire crowd.

The Template

• Overall outcome: Overall, I think [person] will [final outcome].
• Future Perfect (optional): By [time], they will have [completed action].
• Positive note: [Optimistic closing thought].

Example: Overall, I think this farmers’ market will have a very successful day. By the end of the morning, the vendors will have sold most of their fresh produce and everyone will have enjoyed a wonderful weekend outing.

Model Answer (Score 9+)

Putting it all together, here is the full annotated response to the sample prompt at the top of this template:

Present Continuous Looking at this picture, I can see a busy farmers’ market on a sunny day with lots of people shopping and enjoying themselves. Detail A woman is selecting tomatoes, an elderly man is selling bread, and children are running between the stalls. Transition Based on what I see, I think several things will happen next.

Prediction 1: will + verb (High Certainty) First of all, I believe the woman in the straw hat will buy a large bag of fresh tomatoes. be going to (Planned Action) Since she is carefully selecting them from the crate, she is probably going to choose the ripest ones and fill her canvas bag.

Prediction 2: be likely to (Probable) Secondly, the market is likely to become even more crowded as the morning goes on, because it seems to be a very popular event. 1st Conditional If more people arrive, the vendors will probably sell out of their most popular items, like the fresh bread.

Prediction 3: might (Possible) Finally, the two children running around might get hungry soon. 1st Conditional If they stop playing, they may ask their parents to buy them something to eat.

Future Perfect Overall, I think by the end of the morning, the vendors will have sold most of their fresh produce and everyone will have enjoyed a wonderful day out.

Transition Signals Quick Reference

Universal Phrase Banks

Referencing the Scene

Making Predictions (by Certainty)

Giving Reasons for Predictions

Closing, Overall Outcome