CELPIP · speaking

CELPIP General Making Predictions — Format, Tips & Free Practice

Learn how CELPIP General Making Predictions works inside speaking: format, scoring cues, common mistakes, and free timed practice on EnglishTestNow. Ask the Exam Knowledge Expert for member-only exam specifics.

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Format at a glance

30 seconds prep, 60 seconds speaking. One scenario paragraph sets the scene. You offer one or more plausible predictions and justify them using details from the prompt.

What this is

Making Predictions is Speaking Task 4: you read or hear a brief everyday scenario, prepare for 30 seconds, then predict what will happen next for 60 seconds. The situation gives visible clues—a person rushing for a bus, dark clouds over a picnic—and you explain likely outcomes with reasons. It tests hypothesis language, not storytelling about the past. After you learn the format, switch to timed CELPIP General Making Predictions practice on EnglishTestNow so pacing becomes automatic. Review each attempt by whether you finished the required moves for this task—not only by an overall section estimate. When the same mistake repeats twice, open the sibling speaking guides on this site and compare how related tasks are marked before you book another full mock.

Why this section matters

30 seconds prep, 60 seconds speaking. One scenario paragraph sets the scene. You offer one or more plausible predictions and justify them using details from the prompt. Conditional and future forms used accurately ("will probably," "might," "if… then"). Predictions should be grounded in the scenario, not random disasters. Cover at least one likely outcome and one alternative if time allows. Test takers usually underperform on CELPIP General Making Predictions when they practice generic language drills instead of this response shape under official timing.

Common mistakes to avoid

Retelling what already happened instead of forecasting.
Choosing wildly unlikely events ("a helicopter will land") without support.
Using only "maybe" with no developed reasoning.
Stopping after one short sentence with 40 seconds left.

Tips that move the score

Anchor each prediction to a clue ("Because she's holding coffee…").
Use probability language instead of absolute certainty unless obvious.
Structure: prediction → reason → optional second prediction.
Practice weather, transit, and customer-service scenarios common in Canadian life.
Keep talking the full minute with secondary "another possibility" clauses.
Record and check whether listeners hear "will" vs. "would" clearly.

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Stuck on Making Predictions?

Ask the Exam Knowledge Expert about scoring grey areas, timing, and what examiners look for on this exact format—not generic grammar tips.

Example:Which grammar structures boost scores on Making Predictions?
Example:How speculative can I be without sounding unrealistic?

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Common questions

How many predictions should I give?

One well-developed prediction can suffice, but two related forecasts better fill 60 seconds. Keep notes from your latest timed attempt so the answer stays linked to your real mistakes.

Can predictions be negative?

Yes if realistic (missing the bus, spilling coffee). Stay plausible and not gratuitously violent. Keep notes from your latest timed attempt so the answer stays linked to your real mistakes.

Do I need Canadian references?

Scenarios are often Canadian, but your language matters more than naming cities. Keep notes from your latest timed attempt so the answer stays linked to your real mistakes.

Is this task computer-scored?

Human raters evaluate speaking holistically for CLB-aligned levels, including this task. Keep notes from your latest timed attempt so the answer stays linked to your real mistakes.

Where can I get help interpreting my CELPIP General Making Predictions practice?

Use free timed practice on EnglishTestNow, then review with the scoring notes on this page. Members with Exam Knowledge Expert can ask questions such as: “Which grammar structures boost scores on Making Predictions?” or “How speculative can I be without sounding unrealistic?”

Related CELPIP speaking guides

Giving Advice Personal Experience Describing a Scene Comparing and Persuading Difficult Situation Expressing an Opinion Unusual Situation Tips Scoring

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