CELPIP Speaking Task 4: Making Predictions
Use scene details to predict what happens next
Say what may happen next and explain which detail makes you think so.
Task at a glance: 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.
Guide 4 of 8 in the Speaking path · Reviewed
Know the task
Task 4 uses the same scene as Task 3 and asks what is likely to happen next. Predict future actions using details about the people, objects, and actions in the picture.
See the official CELPIP test formatA useful approach
- 1
Find actions that are still happening
Look for people reaching, carrying, waiting, or getting ready. Think about what each might do next. Choose a few different parts of the scene so you have more than one prediction.
- 2
Give a reason for each prediction
Link each prediction to a scene detail. The visitor has an empty tray and is looking at plants, so they will probably choose some. Explain that link rather than only saying what will happen.
- 3
Choose words that show how sure you are
Use “probably” when something is likely, “might” when it is possible, and “if” when it depends on another action. The can could fall if the child pulls it, but the adult may move it first.
- 4
Focus on what could happen soon
Predict the next action you can explain from the scene. The volunteers will probably put the table in the open space. The picture gives no clue about their plans for next year.
Sample question and answer
Sample question: Imagine the same plant exchange as in the previous guide. A woman in a green apron labels pots. A visitor beside her holds an empty tray and looks at the plants. On the left, a child reaches toward a tall watering can at a table’s edge while an adult turns toward it. At the back, two volunteers carry a folding table toward an open space. Visitors wait near the entrance. Use these details to predict what may happen next.
Imagined scene · Select a passage to see its explanation.
Prediction and clue
The empty tray and the visitor’s interest in the plants support this prediction.
Read the full sample answer
The visitor with the empty tray will probably choose a few plants next, because they’re already looking over the pots. They might ask the woman in the green apron which ones need the least care before putting their choices on the tray.
On the left, there’s a possible problem with the watering can. If the child pulls the watering can toward them, it could fall off the edge of the table. However, the adult may move it out of reach first, since they’re turning toward it.
Meanwhile, the two volunteers at the back will probably put their folding table down in the open space. Once it’s in place, they could use it to display more plants. The people waiting near the entrance may then come in to look at the plants. Those seem like the most likely immediate changes in this scene.
Check your understanding
A common mistake
Saying a possible problem will definitely happen.
Less useful: The can will fall and everyone will leave immediately.
More specific: The can might fall if the child pulls it, but the adult could move it first.
The clearer sentence says what could cause the can to fall and how the adult might prevent it. Both possibilities fit the scene.
Useful language in context
- will probably
Is likely to happen, but is not certain.
The volunteers will probably set the table down in the open space.
- out of reach
Too far away for someone to touch or take.
The adult may put the can out of reach of the child.
- once it is in place
After something has been put in its position.
Once the table is in place, visitors may begin using it.
Try it yourself
- Read the plant-exchange scene above. Choose two things that may happen next.
- For each prediction, write the detail that makes you think it could happen.
- Say your predictions aloud using “will probably”, “might”, or “if”. Check that each has a clue in the scene and that you have not called a possibility certain.