Speaking Task 4 is called Making Predictions. You get 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak. This guide gives you a plan you can use again and again, one example I wrote myself, and the mistakes to avoid.
1.What the task is
This is Task 4 of the CELPIP General speaking test. Its name tells you the job: you say what you think will happen. You have 30 seconds to prepare. Then you speak for 60 seconds.
The preparation time is short. Use it to choose your ideas, not to write full sentences.
2.How it is scored
Your answer is scored on four dimensions:
- Content and Coherence. Your ideas make sense and connect well.
- Vocabulary. The words you choose fit the topic and are varied.
- Listenability. This covers rhythm, pronunciation, intonation, pauses and self correction.
- Task Fulfillment. You do what the task asks.
Accent is not scored. A strong accent is not a problem by itself. Clear speech and a steady flow are what count under Listenability.
Levels 4 to 12 map one to one to CLB 4 to 12.
3.A plan that fits most tasks
Use the 30 seconds to write a few key words. Then follow this order when you speak:
- Opening sentence. Name the situation and give your main prediction. For example: "I think this will turn out well."
- Prediction with a reason. Say what will happen and why. Use "because", "so" and "since" to link the ideas.
- More predictions. Add a short-term result and a longer-term result, each with a reason or a detail.
- A possible problem. Mention something that might go wrong. This makes your answer richer.
- Closing sentence. Repeat your main prediction in different words.
Use future language such as will, is likely to, might, I expect and probably. Speak at a calm pace. Aim to keep going for the full 60 seconds. If you make a mistake, fix it quickly and continue.
4.A worked example
Task (written for this guide): A woman plans to open a small bakery on your street. What do you think will happen in the next year?
Model answer:
"I think the bakery will do well in its first year. Our street has many families and no other bakery, so people will probably stop in every morning. Also, the owner is very friendly, so customers will likely come back often. In the first few months, word will spread, and I expect the shop to get busy on weekends. However, the rent on this street is high, so she might struggle at the start. To solve that, she will probably open early and sell coffee as well. Overall, I believe the bakery will become a popular place in the neighbourhood by the end of the year."
Why it works:
- It opens with a clear main prediction.
- Every prediction has a reason, such as no other bakery or a friendly owner.
- It names a possible problem and a likely solution.
- It uses a range of future forms: will, probably, might, I expect.
- It ends by repeating the main idea, so the answer feels complete.
5.Common mistakes
- Describing the present. The task is about what will happen, so keep your verbs pointed to the future.
- Predictions with no reasons. Say "because" or "so" and explain.
- Reading a memorized script. Short key words are safer. They help you sound natural.
- Long silences to find the perfect word. Use a simpler word and keep moving.
- Stopping early. Plan enough ideas to fill the whole time.
- Repeating the same words. Swap "good" and "bad" for words like "successful", "popular", "difficult" or "risky".
- Worrying about your accent. It is not scored. Focus on clear sounds and a steady rhythm.
6.Next step
Practise with a timer for the 30 seconds and the 60 seconds. Record yourself and listen for pauses, rhythm and reasons. Try a free Making Predictions set.