CELPIP Speaking Task 4: Making Predictions (Complete 2026 Guide)

Preparing for the CELPIP speaking test can feel overwhelming, but Task 4 is actually one of the most approachable sections once you understand what examiners want. This complete guide breaks down everything you need to know about making predictions in 2026, from timing and grammar to practical strategies that help test takers score 9 and above.

Introduction to CELPIP Speaking

The CELPIP speaking test is a key part of the overall CELPIP test, designed to measure how well test takers can communicate in real-life situations. Whether you're making predictions about what will happen next, giving advice to someone in a difficult situation, or describing a lively scene, the speaking test challenges you to use English naturally and effectively. Understanding the CELPIP speaking test format is essential for success, as each task targets different communication skills that are important for daily life in Canada.

For many test takers, mastering the speaking test means practicing a variety of scenarios—like making predictions, expressing opinions, and responding to questions about familiar topics. The test format is structured to assess not just your vocabulary and grammar, but also your ability to organize your thoughts and communicate clearly under time pressure. To achieve a high score, it's important to practice both speaking and listening skills, as these abilities reinforce each other and help you respond confidently in any situation.

The CELPIP test is especially important for those planning to settle in Canada or pursue professional opportunities, as it demonstrates your readiness to communicate effectively in English. By focusing on each section of the speaking test and practicing regularly, you'll build the skills needed to succeed—not just on test day, but in your new life in Canada.

Understanding CELPIP Test Format

The CELPIP test format is designed to evaluate your English proficiency across four main sections: speaking, writing, listening, and reading. Each section targets specific language skills, and understanding the structure of the test is crucial for test takers aiming for top scores.

The CELPIP speaking test follows a clear format, with a series of tasks that assess your ability to communicate in different situations. You'll encounter tasks that require making predictions about what will happen in a picture, describing a scene in detail, and giving advice based on a scenario. Knowing the format of each speaking task helps you manage your time and organize your responses more effectively.

In Task 4, for example, you'll need to use future tenses to predict what will happen next in the picture. Practicing with realistic sample questions and responses is one of the best ways to become comfortable with the test format and improve your confidence. The more familiar you are with the types of questions and the timing of each section, the more natural your responses will sound.

To maximize your performance, make sure to practice all sections of the CELPIP test, including listening and speaking. This well-rounded approach will help you develop the skills needed to respond clearly, logically, and confidently in any part of the test.

Quick Overview of CELPIP Speaking Task 4

CELPIP Speaking Task 4, officially titled "Making Predictions," asks you to look at the same picture from Task 3 and describe what will happen next. Instead of describing what you see now, you predict events likely to occur in the next 2-5 minutes.

The test format gives you exactly 30 seconds of prep time to plan your response, then 60 seconds to speak while being recorded.

Your goal is to make logical predictions based on visual clues in the image. Examiners score you on five criteria: content, organization, vocabulary, grammar, and delivery. They care about how clearly and confidently you speak—not whether your predictions actually come true.

Here's a quick example: if the picture shows a sunny day at a park with children near a soccer ball, you might predict the kids will start a soccer game, a jogger nearby will stop to drink water, a family might begin setting up their picnic, and the woman on the left will join the children to play. Using detailed descriptions and specific locations, such as mentioning "the woman on the left," helps the rater visualize the scene and makes your answer more interesting, which can improve your score.

At celprep.io, you can practice Task 4 with timed mock questions and receive instant AI feedback on your grammar, vocabulary, and fluency—helping you build confidence before test day.

Understanding CELPIP Speaking Task 4: Making Predictions

Task 4 tests your ability to think ahead and communicate effectively about future events. Here's what you need to know:

• You see a picture and must predict what will happen next within 2-5 minutes—not simply describe what you currently see
• The image shows the exact same scene used in Task 3 (Describing a Scene), but your focus now shifts from "what is happening" to "what will probably happen"
• Use your imagination to creatively predict what might happen next in the scene, adding details and considering different possibilities
• You should use future tenses like will, going to, might, may, likely, and probably, and a variety of modal verbs such as might, could, and will to show different levels of certainty in your predictions
• Common topics include city streets, parks, workplaces, classrooms, supermarkets, bus stops, and family gatherings
• Task 3 = describe; Task 4 = predict, imagine, and explain reasoning behind your expectations
• This task measures real-life skills valued in Canada: forecasting events, problem awareness, and speaking in an organized way

When focusing on the scene, make sure to describe each person in the image, mentioning their actions, expressions, and possible next steps to help the listener visualize what could happen.

Timing, Format, and Scoring for Task 4

Understanding the celpip speaking test format helps you manage your time and focus on what matters most.

Timing breakdown:

• 30 seconds preparation: read instructions, scan the image, mentally plan your response
• 60 seconds speaking: your full response is recorded for evaluation

What appears on screen:

• Instruction text (e.g., "Talk about what you think will happen next in this picture")
• The high-resolution image
• A countdown timer that starts immediately

Scoring dimensions (1-12 scale):

• Content: Are your predictions relevant, logical, and well-developed?
• Organization: Is your response clearly structured with smooth progression?
• Vocabulary: Do you use a range of words accurately?
• Grammar: Are your sentence structures correct, especially future tenses?
• Delivery: Is your pronunciation clear with natural pace and fluency?

You do not get marks for "correct" predictions. Examiners grade how clearly and logically you speak, not whether the future actually happens as you describe.

Practicing with a timer and recording yourself—as you can on celprep.io—is essential to get comfortable with the 60-second limit.

Step-by-Step Strategy: From Picture to Strong Predictions

Follow this simple 6-step formula to deliver a strong Task 4 response every time:

Step 1 – Quick Scene Recap (5-7 seconds)

Briefly describe the main setting to orient your listener.

Example: "This image shows a busy downtown intersection on a weekday morning."

Step 2 – Choose One Main Area

Mentally divide the picture into four parts and focus on one area with 3-4 interesting actions. Don't try to cover everything.

Step 3 – Highlight One Strong Main Prediction

Start with the most obvious, logical event.

Example: "The people waiting at the crosswalk will cross when the light turns green."

Step 4 – Add 2-3 Supporting Predictions

Include additional predictions about nearby people or objects.

Example: "A cyclist may slow down," or "Someone might drop their coffee."

To make your reasoning more engaging, you can tell a short story or personal anecdote that illustrates why you think something will happen.

Step 5 – Explain the Reasons

Support each prediction with a quick "because" or visual clue.

Example: "Because he's checking his watch and the bus is arriving."

Step 6 – Short Conclusion (5 seconds)

Finish with a summarizing close.

Example: "Overall, it seems like a typical rush-hour morning where everyone will soon head to work or school."

To organize your response clearly, use transitions such as "First of all," "Another thing that will happen is," and "Finally." This helps your answer flow logically and makes it easier for the examiner to follow.

For coherence, refer to people or characters using pronouns or simple identifiers (like "the woman" or "he/she") instead of repeating their full description from Task 3. This keeps your story smooth and avoids unnecessary repetition.

The Prediction Formula

A strong response in CELPIP speaking task 4 starts with a reliable prediction formula. This formula helps test takers organize their thoughts and deliver a balanced, logical answer about what will happen next in the picture. By using three distinct sentence types, you can show a range of possibilities and demonstrate your ability to think ahead.

1. Work/Task Prediction ("Going to"): Begin with a prediction about a planned or obvious action. For example, "The woman is going to pick up her bag from the bench." This shows you can identify clear intentions in the scene.

2. Logical Next Step ("Will"): Follow up with a logical consequence based on what you see. For instance, "The little girl will run towards the playground because she looks excited." This type of sentence highlights your reasoning skills and ability to connect details.

3. Social/Random Prediction ("Might"): Add a prediction about something less certain or more spontaneous. For example, "A family member might join the group for lunch if they arrive soon." This shows you can consider different possibilities and use a variety of future forms.

By combining these three types of predictions, your response will sound natural, confident, and well-organized. This approach not only impresses CELPIP examiners but also helps you avoid repeating the same sentence structure, making your speaking more dynamic and engaging.

Mastering Future Tenses and Certainty Levels in Task 4

Grammar variety is crucial for scoring 9 and above. Examiners want to see you express different levels of certainty using varied sentence structures.

Very Likely (High Certainty):

• Use "be going to" for evident trajectories: "The bus is going to stop at the station."
• Use "will" for spontaneous actions: "The kids will start their game soon."

Likely (Medium Certainty):

• Use "will probably," "is likely to," "is sure to": "The man will probably answer his phone."
• "She is likely to cross the street when the light changes."

Possible (Lower Certainty):

• Use "might," "may," "could," "perhaps," "maybe": "The woman might decide to sit on the bench."
• "Perhaps the little girl will chase the bird across the grass."

Avoid using only "will" in every sentence. Mixing structures impresses examiners more—aim for 4-6 different future forms per response.

celprep.io's AI feedback can highlight overused grammar patterns and suggest alternative future forms automatically, helping you build natural variety.

Setting the Scene Quickly and Naturally

Your first few seconds set up everything that follows. Think of it as a quick "radio description" for someone who cannot see the image.

• Imagine talking to a friend on the phone who needs context to understand your predictions
• Mention: place (park, supermarket, subway station), time of day, weather or season, and general mood (busy, relaxed)
• Keep this recap under 10 seconds—two short, clear sentences maximum
• Use simple starting phrases like "In this picture," "Right now," or "At the moment"
• Avoid long background stories about yourself or the scene; focus strictly on what listeners need to understand your predictions

Example: "This picture shows a crowded café on a sunny day in summer. Several things are about to happen here."

Focusing on One Area and Using Detailed, Logical Predictions

Trying to cover the entire scene is a common trap. Focusing on one area allows deeper, more impressive predictions.

• Pick the busiest or clearest area and "zoom in" on 3-5 people or actions there
• Use precise descriptive language: instead of "people walking," say "a teenager carrying a skateboard" or "a father pushing a stroller"
• Connect predictions to visible clues: direction of eyes, body position, objects in hands, signs, weather, and clothing

Concrete example (family at a picnic table):

"The mother is likely to serve the sandwiches she's preparing. The children will probably run to the playground once they finish eating. Meanwhile, the father might take photos of the scene since he's holding up his phone."

Every prediction should feel realistic within 2-10 minutes. Avoid speaking about unusual situation outcomes like "a spaceship will land" or "a celebrity will appear"—examiners expect grounded reasoning.

Highlighting Main Predictions

When tackling CELPIP speaking task 4, it's essential for test takers to start with one clear, logical prediction that directly relates to the scene in the picture. This main prediction should be based on visible clues and make sense within the context of what's happening. For example, if the image shows a woman preparing food at a picnic, a strong main prediction could be:

"The woman will serve sandwiches to her family."

After stating your main prediction, you can enrich your response by adding a second or third prediction. These additional predictions should also be logical and supported by details you observe in the picture. For instance, "The children might run to the playground after eating," or "A friend could arrive and join the group soon." Each prediction should be backed up with reasoning, such as, "because the children are already looking towards the playground," or "since there's an extra plate on the blanket."

By structuring your response this way, you demonstrate your ability to analyze the scene, make logical connections, and communicate your ideas clearly. This approach not only makes your answer more organized and convincing but also shows CELPIP examiners that you can use details and context to support your predictions—an essential skill for achieving a high speaking score.

Sample Task 4 Structure and Model Ideas (Score 9+ Style)

Here's how to organize a 60-second response that scores 9 or higher:

Four-part structure:

1. Time frame opener (5-7 seconds): "In the next few minutes, several things are going to happen on this busy downtown corner."

2. Main prediction: "First, the group waiting at the bus stop will board the bus that's approaching."

3. Additional predictions + reasons (40-45 seconds):

• "A cyclist will probably slow down because the light is turning red."
• "The street vendor might start calling out to attract customers since it's almost lunchtime."
• "The woman checking her phone may accidentally bump into someone because she isn't watching where she's walking."
• "Perhaps the school children will start walking faster as their teacher waves them across."

4. Short conclusion (5 seconds): "Overall, this seems like a normal weekday morning where everyone will soon continue with their busy routines."

This model blends different future forms, explains reasons clearly, and stays focused on one scene area.

On celprep.io, learners can listen to native-style versions of similar model answers and compare their own recordings automatically.

Practice Routine: How to Train for Task 4

Daily practice transforms theory into confident performance. Here's a concrete routine:

Weekly schedule example:

• Monday: Park scenes
• Tuesday: Street and transit images
• Wednesday: Workplace and classroom pictures
• Thursday: Supermarket and store scenarios
• Friday: Family gatherings and social events

How to use celprep.io:

• Choose "Speaking > Task 4"
• See a random image with exactly 30 seconds to plan
• Record your 60-second response
• Receive AI feedback analyzing speaking time, filler words, grammar variety (especially future tenses), vocabulary range, and pronunciation clarity

Track your progress in your dashboard—monitor your predicted CELPIP score week by week until you consistently reach level 9-10.

Combine Task 3 and Task 4 practice sessions with the same picture to build a natural transition from description to prediction. This mirrors the actual celpip test experience.

celprep.io also offers full mock CELPIP exams covering speaking, listening skills, reading, and writing, so you can experience full test-day pressure before your real exam.

Key Differences Between Task 3 and Task 4 (Same Picture, New Goal)

Many students confuse these tasks. Here's how they compare:

Task 3 (Describing a Scene):

• Question: "Describe the picture"
• Main tenses: present continuous, present simple ("People are talking," "The bus is arriving")
• Focus: Adding details about what you see right now

Task 4 (Making Predictions):

• Question: "Predict what will happen next"
• Main tenses: future forms ("People will cross," "The bus is going to leave soon")
• Focus: What happens in the next 2-5 minutes with reasoning

Both tasks use the same image, but your mental approach must shift completely. After Task 3, ask yourself: "Okay, what happens in the next 5 minutes?"

During practice on celprep.io, do both tasks back-to-back with the same picture. This makes the transition automatic by test day.

Common Mistakes in Task 4 and How to Fix Them

Avoid these pitfalls that drag scores down:

celprep.io's AI highlights these patterns automatically—overuse of one tense, too much description, or filler words—so you can adjust before test day.

Final Tips: Build Confidence for CELPIP Speaking Task 4

Expressing opinions and giving advice through predictions becomes natural with the right practice approach:

• Practice 2-3 Task 4 questions per session rather than only reading theory; active speaking builds real skill
• Record and replay your answers to self-check clarity, organization, and whether you actually used varied future forms
• Remember that Task 4 is not about perfect predictions—it's about clear, organized English that sounds natural and confident
• Draw on personal experience with similar scenes to make your predictions feel authentic
• Use specific examples tied to visual clues rather than vague, general statements
• Clearly state your opinion in response to prompts like "Do you think...?" and always support your viewpoint with logical reasoning and relevant examples
• When comparing options, such as choosing between moving to the countryside or the city, highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each. Practice persuading someone to choose one over the other by evaluating lifestyle, environment, and social opportunities.

Ready to start practicing? Sign up for celprep.io to access 1,000+ interactive CELPIP activities, including timed Task 4 drills, full mock exams, and instant AI feedback for faster score improvement.

With consistent practice comparing options and deciding what to predict, you can reach CELPIP level 9+ and strengthen your Canadian PR or citizenship application—one confident response at a time.