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CELPIP Speaking · Task 4

Making Predictions Template Guide

Learn how to predict what will happen next in a picture using visual evidence, clear time markers, and different future forms to show certainty.

Preparation: 30 seconds

Speaking: 60 seconds

Target: future sequence

Goal

Predict What Will Happen Next

CELPIP Speaking Task 4 asks you to predict what will happen in the picture over the next few minutes. You must use evidence from the image to support your imagination and use a variety of future tenses to show different levels of certainty.

Assessment Criteria

What the Examiner Looks For

Structure (Time Markers)

Use a clear sequence: In the next few minutes, After that, and Finally.

Grammar (Future Forms)

Do not use "will" for everything. Show plans with going to, logical predictions with will, and possibilities with might.

Vocabulary (Articles)

Since the people are already introduced from the picture, switch from a to the: the man, the women, the girl, the barn.

Step 1

The Opening: The Starter Phrase

Goal: start immediately with a clear time frame. Do not waste time with a long introduction or full picture description.

Grammar Booster: The Time Frame

Phrase: In the next few minutes... / In the next 10 minutes...

Example: In the next few minutes, several things are going to happen on this busy farm because everyone in the picture is already in the middle of an activity.

Step 2

Making Predictions: The 3-Level Certainty Strategy

Goal: use three different future forms to show grammar range. Choose the grammar based on how much visual evidence you have.

Certainty LevelGrammar FormUsage & LogicExample
High (Planned)Going toUse when the evidence is very clear or the action already appears planned.The man is going to finish chopping the logs because he has already raised the axe.
Medium (Logical)WillUse for a logical prediction based on what you can see.The women will probably continue riding along the dirt path.
Low (Uncertain)May / MightUse when the result is possible but not certain.The girl might carry the apples into the barn if the basket becomes too heavy.

High Certainty

Going to: The man is going to split the log because his axe is already in position.

Medium Certainty

Will: The riders will probably continue down the path toward the farmhouse.

Low Certainty

Might: The girl might take the apples into the barn after the basket is full.

Step 3

The Closing

Goal: finish with a quick final prediction that wraps up the story.

Keyword: Finally...

Example: Finally, the whole group will probably finish their work before sunset, and the farm will become much quieter.

CELPIP Speaking Part 4

Instruction, Shared Picture, and Sample Response

Instruction

Look at the picture and predict what will happen next. Explain what the people are likely to do and support your predictions with details from the image.

Picture

Farm scene with riders, workers, a red barn, apple picking, and green hills

In the next few minutes, several things are going to happen on this farm because all the people in the picture are already involved in different activities.

First, the man near the barn is going to split the log because he has already lifted the axe and is standing beside a pile of wood. After that, he will probably stack the firewood next to the barn so it can dry properly.

Meanwhile, the two women on the horses will continue riding along the dirt path. They look relaxed, so they may be enjoying a short ride around the farm rather than doing heavy work.

On the right side, the girl might carry the apples toward the barn if her basket becomes full. The workers on the left will likely keep planting crops because the field still has a lot of open space.

Finally, everyone will probably finish their tasks before sunset, and the farm will become much quieter in the evening.