CELPIP TIPS: How to Make Predictions in Speaking Task 4

“Boost your CELPIP speaking score by learning how to predict effectively!”

CELPIP Speaking Task 4 presents an image and asks you to predict future events based on the scene. You are evaluated on content, organization, vocabulary, grammar, and delivery, not on whether your predictions are correct. The task tests your ability to communicate logically and fluently in English under time pressure, reflecting real-life communication skills in Canada.

🔮 What Does “Making Predictions” Mean?

Making predictions means: 👉 Using information in the text to guess future ideas

You predict based on:

  • The title

  • The context

  • Keywords

  • Your general knowledge

💡 Important:
Predictions are not random—they must be logical and based on the text but on the exam they will evaluate your ability to use grammar in a proper manner.

✍️ Grammar to Keep in Mind

✅ 2. Going to for strong predictions

✅ 1. Will for predictions

Use going to when there is clear evidence that an event is likely to happen.

Examples:

  • The text is about pollution, so it is going to talk about solutions.

  • The email sounds urgent, so it is going to ask for a quick response.

Use will when you think something is likely to happen.

Examples:

  • The author will explain the problem in the next paragraph.

  • This article will probably discuss the effects of climate change.

 
 

👉 Use words like:

  • will

  • probably

  • likely

✅ 4. Conditional thinking (if…)

Helps you connect ideas logically.

Examples:

  • If the problem is serious, the author may suggest solutions.

  • If the email is formal, it will include polite requests.




✅ 3. Modal verbs (might / may / could)

Use these when you are not 100% sure.

Examples:

  • The next paragraph might explain the results.

  • The author could describe a new solution.

💡 Tip:
These are very useful in exams because you are often not completely certain.

 

🧠 How to Make Better Predictions (Speaking – CELPIP Task 4)

✅ 1. Look at the situation carefully

In CELPIP Speaking Task 4, you usually see a picture or a situation.

👉 Ask yourself:

  • What is happening?

  • Who is involved?

  • What might happen next?

💡 Speaking tip:

Start with a simple sentence:

“From the picture, I can see that…”

✅ 2. Use keywords to organize your ideas

Focus on the most important details in the image or situation.

👉 Look for:

  • People (who?)

  • Actions (what are they doing?)

  • Place (where?)

Example:
👉 office – manager – meeting
→

“They might be preparing for an important meeting.”

✅ 4. Keep speaking (don’t stop!)

In speaking tasks, fluency is key.

👉 If you don’t know what to say:

  • Add another possible idea

  • Use “maybe”, “perhaps”, “it’s possible”

Example:

“Maybe they are discussing a problem. It’s also possible that they are planning a project.”

✅ 3. Think logically (very important!)

Your prediction should make sense.

👉 Use simple patterns:

  • Situation → result

  • Problem → solution

  • Action → consequence

Example:

“He looks stressed, so he might be worried about a deadline.”



✅ Exam Tips for CELPIP Speaking Task 4

✔ Start with a general sentence
✔ Use prediction language: might, may, could, probably

✔ Give more than one possibility
✔ Connect your ideas with: because, so, therefore

✔ Useful sentence starters: “I think that…”, “It looks like…”, “They might be…”, “It’s possible that…”, “In the future, they will probably…”

🚀 Quick Speaking Strategy

When your time starts:

  1. Describe briefly → “I can see…”

  2. Make a prediction → “They might…”

  3. Add another idea → “Alternatively…”

  4. Give a reason → “because…”

💬 Final tip

Making predictions in speaking is not about being perfect—it’s about speaking clearly and logically.

👉 Use simple grammar
👉 Give more than one idea
👉 Keep talking confidently

With practice, you will feel more comfortable and improve your CELPIP speaking score!

Maria G.