What Task 4 asks you to do
Task 4 shows the same scene as Task 3 and asks what will probably happen next. You get 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak. Raters want logical predictions, each one connected to something you can see.
Example prompt: Look at the same park picture as in Task 3. What do you think will happen next?
A structure for 60 seconds
- Opening (about 5 seconds). "I think a few interesting things will happen in the next few minutes."
- Prediction 1 with its reason (about 15 seconds).
- Prediction 2 with its reason (about 15 seconds).
- Prediction 3 with its reason (about 15 seconds).
- A short closing (about 10 seconds). One general prediction about the whole scene.
Pick three people or groups from the picture. For each one, note what they are doing now and one thing that will probably happen. Vary your future forms: "will", "is going to", "might", "is likely to".
Sample answer
I think a few interesting things are going to happen in this park over the next few minutes.
First, the dog that's pulling on its leash will probably break free and run after the squirrel. The owner is going to have to chase it across the grass, and the kids on the slide will most likely start laughing.
Second, the children at the playground are watching the ice cream truck, so I'm pretty sure they'll ask their parents for money. There might be a longer line at the truck soon.
Third, there are some dark clouds on the far right of the picture. If they come closer, the family having a picnic may need to pack up quickly.
Overall, I think this calm afternoon is about to get a lot busier.
Why this answer scores well
- Every prediction is linked to something visible: the leash, the children watching, the clouds.
- A range of future forms ("will probably", "is going to", "might", "may", "is about to").
- Signposts ("First", "Second", "Third", "Overall") keep it organised.
- It ties the predictions together at the end.
Useful phrases
- "It's likely that…"
- "…will probably…"
- "I wouldn't be surprised if…"
- "Judging by…, I think…"
- "There's a good chance that…"
Common mistakes
- Describing the scene again instead of predicting.
- Wild predictions with no clue in the picture.
- Using only "will" every time.
- Making ten tiny predictions instead of three developed ones.
Practise Task 4 with real timing in the free speaking drill, then see all 8 speaking tasks.
Want your Task 4 answer scored?
Record your answer in a session and get feedback on all four scoring areas.
Questions
How long is CELPIP Speaking Task 4?
You get 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.
How many predictions should I make in Task 4?
Three predictions, each with a reason from the picture, usually fill 60 seconds well.