top of page
Writer's pictureChetana Karla Shakti

CELPIP: Mastering CELPIP Task 4: Making Predictions

Updated: Jul 22


In Task 4 of the CELPIP Speaking Test, you need to make predictions based on a given scenario. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to respond. This task tests your ability to use future tenses and logical reasoning.

Key Elements of a Strong Response


Use of Future Tenses

To succeed in Task 4, you need to effectively use future tenses. Common structures include:

  • Will: "I think they will..."

  • Going to: "They are going to..."

  • Might/May/Could: "They might..."

  • Future Continuous: "They will be doing..."


Logical Reasoning

Your predictions should be logical and based on the information provided. Explain why you think something will happen to demonstrate your reasoning skills.


Clarity and Structure

Your response should be well-organized and easy to follow:

  1. Introduction: Briefly restate the situation or scenario.

  2. Prediction 1: Make your first prediction and provide reasoning.

  3. Prediction 2: Make your second prediction and provide reasoning.

  4. Conclusion: Summarize your predictions or add a final thought.


Speculative Language

Using speculative language can make your predictions more nuanced. Phrases like "It's likely that," "There's a good chance that," and "It's possible that" add variety to your response and show a range of language skills.


Practical Tips for Preparation

Practice with Different Scenarios

Familiarize yourself with various scenarios and practice making predictions. This will help you become comfortable thinking on your feet and articulating future possibilities.


Develop a Template

Having a mental template can help you structure your response quickly. For example:

  • Introduction

  • Prediction 1 with reason

  • Prediction 2 with reason

  • Conclusion


Use Transition Words

Transition words like "firstly," "secondly," "as a result," and "therefore" can help make your response more coherent and easier to follow.


Record and Review

Recording your responses and reviewing them can help you identify strengths and areas for improvement. Pay attention to your use of future tenses, clarity, and logical flow.


Useful Vocabulary for Task 4

Future Tenses and Structures

  • Will: "I think they will..."

  • Going to: "They are going to..."

  • Might/May/Could: "They might..."

  • Future Continuous: "They will be doing..."

  • Likely to: "It's likely that they will..."

  • Expected to: "They are expected to..."

  • Predicted to: "They are predicted to..."


Speculative Phrases

  • There’s a good chance that...

  • It’s possible that...

  • It’s likely that...

  • It seems probable that...

  • There’s a high probability that...

  • There’s a slight chance that...

  • It could be that...


Logical Connectors

  • Because of this,

  • As a result,

  • Therefore,

  • Consequently,

  • Due to this,

  • For this reason,


Sample Questions

Here are some sample scenarios and prompts for CELPIP Task 4:


Sample 1: Company Expansion

  • Scenario: A company has just announced it will be expanding to a new city.

  • Predict what might happen to the company’s workforce.

  • Predict how this expansion might affect the local community.


Sample 2: New Technology in Schools

  • Scenario: Schools in your area are planning to introduce new technology in classrooms.

  • Predict how this might change the way students learn.

  • Predict what challenges teachers might face with this new technology.


Sample 3: City Hosting a Major Event

  • Scenario: Your city will be hosting a major international sports event next year.

  • Predict how this event might impact local businesses.

  • Predict how residents might respond to the increased tourism.


Sample 4: Changes in Weather Patterns

  • Scenario: Meteorologists predict significant changes in weather patterns over the next decade.

  • Predict how these changes might affect agriculture in your region.

  • Predict what steps the government might take to address these changes.


Conclusion

Mastering CELPIP Task 4 involves effectively using future tenses, providing logical reasoning, and clearly articulating your predictions. By practicing regularly and using the tips and strategies outlined above, you can approach this task with confidence. Good luck with your CELPIP preparation, and keep honing your predictive skills!

17 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page