Speaking Task 4: Making Predictions
Use visual evidence and future tenses to logically guess what will happen next.
What They Test
Understanding the assessment criteria helps you deliver exactly what examiners are looking for.
Future Tense Mastery
Examiners are strictly listening for your ability to use multiple future forms correctly (e.g., 'will', 'is going to', 'is about to', 'will probably').
Logical Deduction
Your predictions cannot be entirely random sci-fi events. They must be deeply rooted in the visual evidence you see in the picture.
Adverbs of Probability
Using words like 'likely', 'probably', 'undoubtedly', and 'perhaps' to show nuance in how certain you are about the future event.
Flow and Sequencing
Using sequence markers (First, Following that, Eventually) to map out a clear timeline of the future events you are predicting.
Template Phrases
Ready-to-use expressions that help your answer sound natural, organized, and easy to follow.
Opening the Prediction
- •"Based on what I can see in this picture, I predict that..."
- •"Looking at the current situation, it is highly likely that..."
- •"If I had to guess what will happen next..."
Near Future (Immediate)
- •"In the very next moment, the man is going to..."
- •"It looks like she is just about to..."
- •"Right after this, they will probably..."
Mid-Term Future (Logical Chain)
- •"Following that, I expect that..."
- •"Once they finish doing that, they will likely..."
- •"As a result of that action, the other person will..."
Adverbs of Certainty
- •"He will undoubtedly..."
- •"They are almost certainly going to..."
- •"There is a strong possibility that..."
Sample Answer (60s speak)
See how a high-scoring response sounds with clear structure and practical supporting details.
In this picture, what do you think will most probably happen next? (Image: The same busy farmers market from Task 3, with a dark storm cloud approaching in the background).
High-scoring Response
"Based on the dark storm clouds quickly gathering in the background of this busy farmers market, I predict that the weather is going to change very drastically in the next few minutes."
"In the immediate future, the man in the green apron is going to quickly hand the apples to the customer so that she can pay him and hurry to her car. The woman is highly likely to grab her paper bag, open her umbrella, and run toward shelter."
"Following that, the two vendors under the white tent are almost certainly going to start packing up their wooden table. They will rapidly throw a plastic tarp over their fresh bread to prevent it from getting ruined by the impending rain."
"Eventually, the entire bustling market will completely empty out as all the shoppers run for cover from the heavy thunderstorm."
Why This Response Scores High:
- Uses a rich variety of future tenses ('is going to change', 'will completely empty out', 'is highly likely to grab').
- Ties every single prediction directly to visual evidence (e.g., predicting people running for cover *because* of the dark storm clouds).
- Uses strong adverbs of probability ('highly likely', 'almost certainly').
- Follows a logical chronological sequence (Immediate transaction finishes → Vendors pack up → Entire market empties).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from these frequent errors that lower scores on this task.
Mistake 1: Using Simple Present Tense
Forgetting the purpose of the task and accidentally describing the image (Task 3) instead of predicting the future (Task 4).
"The man gives her the apples. The vendors pack the bread."
"The man is going to give her the apples. The vendors will definitely pack up the bread."
Mistake 2: Wild, Illogical Guesses
Making predictions that have zero visual basis in the picture, which makes your answer seem disorganized.
"An alien spaceship will land on the tent and steal the bread."
"Because the dog is pulling hard on the leash, the owner is probably going to drop the bread."
Mistake 3: Lack of Variety in Future Forms
Using 'will' for every single sentence. Examiners want to see grammar range.
"He will pay. She will run. They will pack."
"He is about to pay. She is highly likely to run. They will probably pack up."
Mistake 4: Running Out of Ideas
Making one prediction that takes 10 seconds, and then having 50 seconds of dead air.
If you predict the main event too quickly, look at the background! Predict what the birds will do, what the weather will do, or what will happen 3 hours later.
Mini Quiz
Test your understanding of Speaking Task 4: Making Predictions with these quick questions.
1. What is the worst mistake you can make in Speaking Task 4?
2. Which sequence of future tenses demonstrates the highest English proficiency?
3. If you run out of things to predict about the main characters, what should you do?
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my prediction have to be correct?
No! There is no 'correct' answer. As long as your prediction is logically tied to something visible in the picture, it is a perfect answer.
How many predictions should I make?
Aim for 3 distinct predictions. Make one about the main subject in the foreground, one about a secondary subject in the background, and one 'macro' prediction about the overall environment or weather.
Should I connect my predictions together?
Yes. Cause and effect is great here. For example: 'Because the dog is going to run away, the man will drop his coffee, and consequently, the woman will have to help him clean it up.'
Do I have to use 'will' or 'going to'?
Use both! Native speakers use them interchangeably. 'Going to' is often better for immediate, obvious actions (He is going to trip), while 'will' is great for slightly more distant predictions (The market will close early).
Choose another task template
Jump between all 8 CELPIP Speaking templates and review the structure for each task.
Giving Advice
Give practical advice with clear reasons.
Personal Experience
Tell a clear story with a natural ending.
Describing a Scene
Describe what you see in an organized way.
Making Predictions
Explain what may happen next and why.
Comparing Choices
Compare two options and persuade clearly.
Difficult Situation
Handle pressure with a calm solution.
Expressing Opinions
Support your opinion with strong reasons.
Unusual Situation
Describe an unexpected moment clearly.