CELPIP Speaking Task 4 Sample Answer (Making Predictions)

How Task 4 works

Task 4 is the making-predictions task. Our speaking tasks guide says you say what happens next in the same picture, with two predictions, each with a reason. Your answer is recorded on the computer. There is no examiner to answer back.

In the prep window, note the clues in the scene: weather, objects, expressions, who is doing what. Then pick your two predictions. The times change by task, so use the speaking practice prompts to rehearse with the real ones.

The invented task prompt

Invented task prompt: Look at the picture and say what you think will happen next. Give reasons for your predictions.

The invented scene (described in words here): At the fictional Port Wren ferry dock, late in the afternoon, dark clouds are moving in over the water. A family of four stands with two large suitcases and a stroller beside a closed ticket window. A worker in an orange jacket is pulling down a sign that says "Last Sailing 5:30", and a small ferry is just leaving the dock, with a few metres of water already between it and the pier. The father is checking his watch, and the youngest child is holding a paper cup of hot chocolate.

Sample answer

This is a transcript of what a test taker could say. It is original and written for practice. Read it once, then cover it and record your own answer to the same prompt.

I think two things will happen next in this picture.

First, the family is going to miss the ferry, and they will probably have to wait for another sailing or find a different way home. I say this because the ferry has already left the dock, the ticket window is closed, and the worker is taking down the sign. The father is checking his watch, so he probably realises they are late.

Second, I think it will start to rain soon. The clouds over the water are dark, and the family is standing outside with suitcases and a stroller. They will likely look for shelter, maybe a waiting room or a café near the dock, and the children might get cold if they stay on the pier.

After that, the parents will probably check the schedule or talk to the worker about the next boat. The little girl will finish her hot chocolate, which should help her feel warm. I expect the family will be tired, but they will have a plan by the end of the evening.

Why this answer earns its level

Notice how every prediction is attached to something in the picture.

• "I think two things will happen next" tells the listener the plan. The answer then does exactly two main predictions plus a short wrap-up.
• "I say this because the ferry has already left the dock, the ticket window is closed, and the worker is taking down the sign" is the strongest sentence. Three visible clues support the prediction.
• "the clouds over the water are dark" is the evidence for the rain prediction, and "they will likely look for shelter" follows logically from it.
• "will", "is going to", "probably", "will likely", "I expect" show control of future forms and of how sure a speaker is.
• The closing prediction about a plan for the evening is short and stays within what the scene allows.

Marking table

This answer is written to show the features of a CLB 8 to 9 response. It is a practice estimate from our own marking guide. Every row uses one of the four speaking dimensions.

Common mistakes

• Describing the picture again. Task 3 does that. Task 4 starts from what is already there.
• Making a prediction with no reason. Always add because and a visible clue.
• Predicting something far-fetched, such as a ship hitting the pier, that the scene does not support.
• Using only will. Mix in is going to, probably and I expect.
• Stopping after one prediction when there is time left. Two is the shape that works.

If you have not tried the describing task, read the Task 3 sample answer first. The two tasks use the same kind of picture, and doing them back to back is good practice.

Questions