CELPIP Making Predictions Template (S4)

What raters reward

Raters reward predictions tied to visible clues, hedging language (a prediction is a guess, not a fact), varied wording between predictions, and fluent delivery. Do not just describe the scene.

Your time plan

Prep (30s) · Pick two likely next events you can justify from clues in the image.

Speak (60s) · Prediction 1 + reason (~22s), prediction 2 + reason (~22s), a further prediction (~14s). No conclusion. About 55 seconds.

How to structure it

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

1. First prediction · Predict the next event and justify it.

2. Second prediction · A second prediction with its own logic.

3. A further prediction · Keep predicting to fill the time.

1 First prediction ~22s

Tie it to a visible clue and hedge it.

Grammar most likely + because

Phrases to adapt

Most likely, in the next little while, [prediction], because [clue].
Judging by [clue], [person] will probably [event].

2 Second prediction ~22s

Change your wording so it does not echo the first.

Grammar likewise + reasonably (adverb)

Phrases to adapt

Likewise, [a second prediction].
I can also reasonably assume that [prediction].

3 A further prediction ~14s

There is no conclusion; end on one more likely outcome.

Grammar Hedging (perhaps, probably)

Phrases to adapt

Perhaps [outcome], as [reason].
This will probably lead to [consequence].

Delivery & exam-day toolkit

Your content is not scored; your English is. These delivery habits apply to every speaking task and protect a level 9 and up.

The clock

Start speaking the moment the timer begins. Delaying is penalized, so open with a quick 'hi' if you need to.
Aim to finish about five seconds early (55s on a 60-second task, 85s on a 90-second task); you always run longer than you plan.

Warm up first

The first prompt is unscored. Speak through it anyway to warm up your voice, so you do not stumble on the scored tasks.

Expect distractions

People finish other sections at different times, so someone will be talking while you speak, and you do not get noise-canceling headphones.
Practice with the news playing in the background (people talking, not music) so the real room feels normal.

Cut the fillers

Drop 'um', 'you know', 'so', 'like', 'etc.' and 'and so on'. Say 'for example' instead of 'like'.
Never say 'I don't know'; it reads as a lack of confidence.

Pauses & pace

A short pause (under two seconds) reads as confidence, not a blank. Pause after a connector or before a difficult sound.
Vary your pace: slower with pauses to emphasize a point, a little quicker through a list.

Tone, emphasis & volume

These carry their own marks.

Raise your volume on adjectives; sound excited on good news, quieter and slower on bad news.
Let each sentence fall at the end. A rising ending sounds like a question.

If you blank, buy time

Never fill a gap with 'um'. Use a ready line while your next point forms.

'Another important point about [topic] is that …'
'It is worth understanding that …'
'Based on where things stand, it is clear that …'
If nothing comes, apologize once and calmly ('sorry, I lost my point for a second') and move on; a calm recovery costs far less than flailing.

Self-correct freely

If you slip, fix it and say 'sorry' or 'pardon me' once or twice. Native speakers do this, and the mark is recovered.

Match your tone to the task

Task 1 and friendly messages: warm, with a smile in your voice.
Task 6 bad news: calm, lower, and apologetic.
Task 7 opinions: passionate and firm.
Task 5 persuading: enthusiastic, but never belittle the other option.
Picture tasks (3, 4, 8): neutral is fine, except when you voice a feeling in the scene.

How to practice

Record yourself, play it back, and judge it like a rater. Note the single biggest weakness and fix just that on the next take. Run uncertain sentences through a grammar checker.

Useful vocabulary

Vocabulary is one of the four scored dimensions, so weave a few in (don't force all of them). Bookmark the ones you want to use — they show up in your saved library.

Predicting the next event

about toThe woman is about to pay for her groceries at the counter.
on the verge ofThe runner looks like she's on the verge of crossing the finish line.
most likelyThe children will most likely finish their game and head inside.
likely toThe sky is dark, so it's likely to start raining any minute now.
any moment nowAny moment now, the bus will arrive and the crowd will start to board.

Hedging the prediction

perhapsPerhaps the man will offer his seat to the elderly passenger.
probablyThe team will probably celebrate once the game is finally over.
I can reasonably assumeI can reasonably assume the family is getting ready to sit down for dinner.
it seemsIt seems the meeting is wrapping up, so people will start leaving soon.
chances areChances are the kids will ask to stay a little longer.

Connectors

likewiseThe father looks tired, and likewise, the children seem ready for bed.
moreoverMoreover, the empty plates suggest the meal is nearly finished.
on the other handOn the other hand, the guest might decide to stay for a coffee.
in additionIn addition, someone will probably start clearing the table next.

Clue-to-prediction links

judging byJudging by the packed suitcase, they are about to leave on a trip.
given thatGiven that the light has turned green, the cars will start moving forward.
which suggestsThe clock reads almost noon, which suggests lunch is coming next.
based onBased on their big smiles, I'd predict some good news is on the way.