CELPIP Speaking Task 4: How to Make Predictions That Score 9+

Most test-takers walk into Task 4 feeling confident. They just described the image in Task 3. They know what's in the picture. So when Task 4 shows the same image again, their brain says: describe it again, but differently.

That instinct kills scores.

Task 4 does not reward description. It rewards prediction. The rubric is looking for logical reasoning about what happens next — not a recap of what you already see. Test-takers who treat Task 4 as "Task 3 continued" consistently score lower than their actual speaking ability deserves.

Here is how to fix that.

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Why Task 4 Is Harder Than It Looks

The trap is structural. You see a familiar image, your brain switches into description mode, and you spend 60 seconds explaining what the people are doing right now. That's the exact thing Task 4 is not asking for.

The key difference between the two tasks:

• Task 3: Describe what you see happening in the image
• Task 4: Predict what will happen next, and explain why

The rubric for Task 4 scores you on your ability to use future-tense language, modal verbs, and logical reasoning. If your response sounds like Task 3 with a few "maybe" words sprinkled in, you are leaving points on the table.

The fix is not more vocabulary. It is a different structure from the first sentence.

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The 3-Part Structure That Works

High-scoring Task 4 responses follow a consistent pattern. Once you internalize it, you can apply it to any image.

Part 1: Brief scene reset (1-2 sentences)

Do not re-describe everything. One or two sentences to anchor your predictions to the image. Think of it as setting the stage, not retelling Task 3.

Example: "In this scene, a man is at the park with his bicycle near a bench, and a group of children are playing nearby."

Part 2: Two main predictions with reasons

This is where the scoring happens. Each prediction needs a modal verb and a reason. Aim for two clear predictions — one is thin, three can feel rushed.

Strong prediction language:

• "He might decide to..."
• "It seems likely that..."
• "She could end up..."
• "This will probably lead to..."
• "Given that..., it is reasonable to expect..."

Pair each prediction with a "because" or "since" clause. That reasoning is what separates a 7-range response from a 9.

Part 3: Natural wrap-up (1 sentence)

Close cleanly. You do not need a grand conclusion. One sentence that acknowledges the situation or adds a secondary outcome is enough.

Example: "Overall, this looks like it will turn into a busy afternoon for everyone in the park."

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Sample Scenario: Weak vs. Strong Response

Image: A man with a bicycle near a park bench. A group of children are kicking a soccer ball in the background. The sky is cloudy.

Weak response (sounds like Task 3): "I can see a man standing by his bicycle. There are kids playing soccer behind him. There is a bench and some trees. The weather looks cloudy and it might rain."

This response describes what is visible. The only prediction is passive — "it might rain" — with no reasoning tied to the people or action.

Strong response: "In this scene, a man has stopped his bike near a bench while children play soccer in the background. Based on his position and the fact that he seems to be watching them, he is likely to stay and rest for a while before continuing his ride. The children could move closer to him as their game expands across the field, since there is open space between them. If the clouds get darker, the whole group will probably leave the park sooner than planned."

Notice the structure: scene reset in one sentence, two predictions with reasoning, and a conditional third that fills time naturally.

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Vocabulary That Signals Higher Scores

You do not need rare vocabulary to score a 9 in Task 4. You need consistent, accurate use of modal verbs paired with reasoning.

Phrases that work:

Avoid hedging too much. "It might possibly perhaps happen" weakens your prediction. One modal verb per prediction is enough.

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30-Second Prep Strategy

You have 30 seconds to prepare before speaking. Use it this way:

1. Identify the two people or objects most likely to "do something next"
2. Write one prediction for each — just a few words
3. Write one reason for each prediction

That is all you need. You are not writing a script. You are identifying your two anchors before speaking so you do not drift back into description mode.

Example notes: "Man + bike → will ride soon, sky darkening" and "kids → might leave early, clouds."

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If You Finish Under 60 Seconds

Task 4 responses should run close to 60 seconds. If you wrap up early, do not go silent. Add:

• A secondary prediction: "If the weather gets worse, the man might decide to take a different route home."
• A consequence: "This could mean the children finish their game earlier than they planned."
• A conditional outcome: "If more people arrive, the dynamic in the park will probably change."

These extensions are not filler — they show additional reasoning, which is exactly what the rubric rewards.

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Putting It Together

Task 4 is one of the most recoverable tasks on the speaking test once you understand the scoring logic. The candidates who struggle are not bad speakers — they are using the wrong frame. Description mode feels natural because the image is right there. Prediction mode requires a deliberate mental shift.

That shift comes from structure. Reset quickly, predict specifically, reason clearly.

If you want to practice this with real feedback on your predictions, try a free session at celpipspeaking.ca. You will get scored responses across all speaking tasks, including Task 4 — so you can see exactly where your predictions land before test day.

For context on how Task 4 connects to the full speaking section, read our guide on CELPIP Speaking Task 3: Describing a Scene first — understanding the transition between the two tasks is half the work.