When the examiner asks you to predict an outcome in Task 4, you have only 60 seconds to plan and 60 seconds to speak. Solid CELPIP Speaking Tips make the difference between a rushed guess and a polished, confident answer. In this guide, you’ll learn a proven structure, practice routines, and test-day advice that will help you score higher in this essential part of the Canadian English test.
Why Task 4 Matters in the Canadian English Test
Task 4 measures your ability to connect present facts to likely future events—an everyday skill in academic, workplace, and social settings. Examiners grade you on:
- Coherence: Does your prediction follow a clear logical path?
- Vocabulary: Do you use future-focused language—expected to, likely to, projected?
- Grammar control: Are your verb tenses correct and varied?
- Pronunciation and pace: Can the listener follow without strain?
Nailing these areas shows you can communicate beyond the here and now—key for immigration and professional contexts in Canada.
Essential CELPIP Speaking Tips for Task 4
Below is a three-step framework you can apply to any prediction prompt.
1. State Your Prediction Up Front
Begin with a direct forecast. Example: “I believe electric vehicles will outnumber gas cars in Canada within a decade.”
2. Give Two Strong Reasons
Explain why your prediction is reasonable. Use data, trends, or personal observations.
- Trend Evidence: “Government incentives have reduced prices each year.”
- Market Demand: “Drivers want lower fuel costs and eco-friendly options.”
3. Finish with an Impact Statement
Tell your listener why it matters. “This shift will create new jobs in clean-tech manufacturing and charge-station infrastructure.”
Quick CELPIP Speaking Tips to Organize Your Answer
- Use Signposts: First of all…, Secondly…, As a result…
- Vary Future Forms: will + base verb, be going to, present continuous for future
- Paint Scenarios: “Imagine a city where every parking spot has a charger.”
- Keep It Concise: Aim for 120–140 words during the one-minute response.
Understanding Prediction Prompts
CELPIP prompts usually follow two patterns:
- Yes/No Outcome: “Do you think Canadian housing prices will rise in the next five years?”
- Most Likely Option: “Which business sector will grow fastest in your city?”
Identify keywords—rise, grow fastest, decline—so your answer stays focused. Use a mind map in the 60-second prep time:
- Center: Prediction Topic
- Branches: Trend, Evidence 1, Evidence 2, Impact
This quick sketch prevents rambling and boosts coherence.
Practice Routines and Resources
Consistent practice cements the framework above.
- Record & Review: Use your phone to record one prediction daily. Check clarity, pace, and fillers like um or you know.
- Shadow Native Speakers: Listen to Canadian news commentary predicting market shifts; imitate rhythm and stress.
- Timed Mock Tests: After finishing a CELPIP Practice Test, isolate Task 4 and rehearse three new prompts.
- Peer Feedback: Exchange recordings on language forums or with classmates. Honest critiques reveal blind spots.
When you feel ready, simulate full exam conditions with CELPIP Mock Exams to track progress under pressure.
For additional vocabulary lists and sample answers, consult the Language Portal of Canada—a reliable government resource on effective English usage (https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en).
Key Takeaways
- Open with a clear, direct forecast.
- Support your prediction with two concrete reasons.
- Conclude by stating the broader impact.
- Practice daily under timed conditions and review recordings.
- Use varied future tenses and signpost phrases for coherence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should my Task 4 answer be?
Aim for 120–140 words. This length fills the one-minute speaking window without rushing.
Can I use personal anecdotes as evidence?
Yes. Brief personal or local examples add authenticity, but combine them with broader trends for balance.
What if I’m unsure about the topic?
Focus on logical reasoning rather than expert data. Clearly signal probability: “It’s reasonable to expect…” You’re assessed on language, not topic depth.
How do I avoid filler words?
Practice with a timer. Pause instead of saying um. Breathing exercises help maintain calm, reducing filler usage.
Conclusion
You now have a tested blueprint for conquering Making Predictions in CELPIP Speaking Task 4. Apply these strategies, track your progress, and walk into the exam knowing you can articulate clear, compelling forecasts—exactly what examiners want to hear.