Speaking Task 4 · Making Predictions

CELPIP Speaking Task 4 Template: 3 Clues

Q: How many predictions should I make?

Three is ideal in 60 seconds: two developed ones and a shorter third, each with a clue from the picture.

30s prep · 60s to speak

Three predictions, each backed by something you can see in the picture, then a one-line wrap-up.

Clue 1
Clue 2
Clue 3
Wrap-up

The template

Each part has a job, a budget and starters. Fill every blank with a detail from your prompt: raters score how well you answer the task in front of you, not memorised sentences.

1
Clue 1
20s
Your strongest prediction, and the clue in the picture behind it.
Starters
- In the next few minutes, I think is going to , because I can see .
- First, I predict that will , since .
Phrases that score
- is going to
- I predict that
- because I can see
Earns: Task Fulfillment, Content/Coherence
2
Clue 2
20s
A second prediction about a different person or area.
Starters
- Also, will probably . I notice that .
- It's likely that , because .
Phrases that score
- will probably
- it's likely that
- I notice that
Earns: Vocabulary, Content/Coherence
3
Clue 3
15s
A third, shorter prediction.
Starters
- Finally, might because .
- I imagine will soon.
Phrases that score
- might
- I imagine
- sooner or later
Earns: Vocabulary, Listenability
4
Wrap-up
5s
One line on how the scene will change.
Starters
- So overall, the scene is about to get .
Phrases that score
- about to
- a lot more
Earns: Content/Coherence

See it in action

The template applied to a real task, part by part.

The task

Look at the same city park picture. What do you think will happen next?

A busy city park on a sunny afternoon. On the left, an elderly man with glasses reads a newspaper on a bench while a young girl walks a small brown puppy. In the middle, children splash in a fountain, a little girl laughs beside a dropped toy boat, and two parents eat sandwiches on a red checked picnic blanket. On the right, people line up at an ice cream truck. In the background, a jogger runs along the path and two teenagers play frisbee near tall trees.

CLB 9+ answer, spoken (115 words)

1. Clue 1

In the next few minutes, I think the kids in the fountain are going to splash the man reading his newspaper, because I can see they're getting closer and closer to his bench, and he hasn't noticed them yet. He'll probably be quite annoyed, but maybe he'll laugh about it.

2. Clue 2

Also, the puppy will probably run off after the frisbee. I notice it's already pulling on its leash and looking around, so the girl will have to chase it across the grass.

3. Clue 3

Finally, the ice cream truck might sell out soon, because the line keeps getting longer and it's such a hot day.

4. Wrap-up

So overall, the park is about to get a lot more chaotic.

Make it stick

Two quick rounds. Get the order right, then match each starter to its part.

1. Put it in order2. Match the starters

Drag the parts of the 3 Clues template into the right order.

Clue 2
Clue 3
Wrap-up
Clue 1

Practise the timing

Answer out loud while the bar shows which part you should be on. It's the fastest way to stop running out of time.

Answer about the picture out loud. You get 30s to prepare, then 60s to speak.

The part you should be on shows here while you speak.

Mistakes that cost marks

Describing the picture again. That was Task 3; this task is about what will happen.
Predictions with no evidence, like "a UFO will land". Every prediction needs a clue.
Using only "will". Vary it with "is going to", "will probably", "might" and "it's likely that".

Try this template on a real question, free

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Answer a free Speaking Task 4 question

Keep going

See all 10 CELPIP templates

Speaking Task 4 template FAQ

Are Task 3 and Task 4 the same picture?

Yes. In Task 4 you look at the same scene and predict what happens next, so the clues you noticed in Task 3 become your evidence.

How many predictions should I make?

Speaking Task 4 template FAQ

Are Task 3 and Task 4 the same picture?

Yes. In Task 4 you look at the same scene and predict what happens next, so the clues you noticed in Task 3 become your evidence.

How many predictions should I make?