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CELPIP Speaking template: Making Predictions

CELPIP Speaking Task 4 — Making Predictions: 30 seconds prep, 60 seconds to speak. Using the same kind of image as Task 3, you predict what will happen next.

3 min read Spoken response Works for any prompt

What raters reward

Logical predictions grounded in the picture (Content/Coherence, Task Fulfillment), accurate future forms (will, going to, about to), and fluent delivery (Listenability). Each prediction needs a reason tied to what's visible.

Your time plan

Prep (30s) — Pick two likely 'next events' you can justify from clues in the image, plus a short closing consequence.
Speak (60s) — Recap the scene (~8s) → prediction 1 + reason (~22s) → prediction 2 + reason (~22s) → wrap-up (~8s).

How to structure it

Fill the [slots] with your own ideas — adapt the frames, don't recite them.

1. Recap the scene — One quick sentence on what's happening now.
2. Prediction 1 + reason — Predict the next likely event and justify it.
3. Prediction 2 + reason — A second prediction with its own logic.
4. Wrap up — A short closing prediction or consequence.
1 Recap the scene ~8s

Ground the listener before you look ahead.

Grammar Present continuous

Phrases to adapt
  • Right now, [what's happening].
  • In this scene, [person] is about to [action].
2 Prediction 1 + reason ~22s

Tie the prediction to a visible clue.

Grammar Future (will / going to / about to) + because

Phrases to adapt
  • In a moment, [person] will probably [event] because [clue].
  • Judging by [clue], I expect [prediction].
3 Prediction 2 + reason ~22s

Move the story forward — what happens after that.

Grammar Future + sequence (after that, then)

Phrases to adapt
  • After that, [next event] is likely to happen.
  • This will most likely lead to [consequence].
4 Wrap up ~8s

End with the likely outcome.

Grammar Summary / future perfect

Phrases to adapt
  • By the end, [outcome].
  • So overall, I think [final prediction].

Useful vocabulary

Vocabulary is one of the four scored dimensions — weave a few in (don't force all of them).

Future forms
is about tois going towill probablyis likely toany moment now
Degrees of certainty
almost certainlychances areit's possible thatpresumablyI'd bet that
Linking clue to prediction
judging bysincebecause ofwhich suggestsgiven that

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Describing the scene (that's Task 3) instead of predicting.
  • Predictions with no reason from the image.
  • Avoiding future forms.
  • Only one prediction stretched thin.

Quick tips

  • Use future language: will, going to, likely to, about to.
  • Anchor every prediction to something visible.
  • Two justified predictions beat many vague guesses.
Put it into practice
Try Making Predictions with this template
Start practice Next template Comparing and Persuading (S5)

All templates

View all
Writing
W1 Writing an Email W2 Responding to Survey Questions
Speaking
S1 Giving Advice S2 Talking about a Personal Experience S3 Describing a Scene S4 Making Predictions Current S5 Comparing and Persuading S6 Dealing with a Difficult Situation S7 Expressing Opinions S8 Describing an Unusual Situation