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CELPIP, Speaking Task 4: Making Predictions

City Hall Waiting Area: sample answer

A model answer to this exam-style CELPIP making predictions question, written to a level 10 target. See the question, the full answer and exactly why it works, then try it yourself.

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Task
Making Predictions
Time
30s to prepare, 60s to speak
Answer length
144 words, ~64s
Written to
Level 10 target

The question

Picture for “City Hall Waiting Area (Prediction)”

Task

Look at the picture of the City Hall Waiting Area. Based on what you see, what do you think will happen next? Make predictions and explain your reasoning.

Sample answer

Linking words are highlighted: they show the structure a rater follows.

Observing the dynamic in this city hall waiting area, I anticipate several immediate developments. Firstly, the person corresponding to the number currently being called will undoubtedly rise and proceed to the designated service counter to engage with the clerk. Subsequently, the clerk will meticulously process their administrative request, after which the digital queue display will inevitably advance to the next waiting number, maintaining the flow. The remaining individuals in the waiting area will continue to exhibit patience, perhaps reviewing their documents or engaging with their phones, until their respective numbers are announced. Furthermore, I predict that the mother with the stroller will, in due course, need to attend to her child, possibly offering a bottle or toy to keep the baby content during the prolonged wait. The overall atmosphere suggests a continuous cycle of calls, service, and waiting, typical of a busy civic office.

144 words, about 64s spoken

Why it works

What you can measure in this answer, and what CELPIP raters mark.

  • The right length. 144 words, about 64 seconds at a natural pace: inside the 60-second limit with room to finish calmly.
  • Clear links between ideas: “furthermore”, “firstly”, “overall”. They make the answer easy to follow, which raters reward under coherence.
  • 6 sentences in 64 seconds: complete thoughts at a steady pace, without rushing to fit more in.

How CELPIP marks making predictions

  • Content & CoherenceLevel 1–12

    Enough relevant ideas, organised clearly and supported with detail.

  • VocabularyLevel 1–12

    Words chosen precisely and appropriately for the topic.

  • ListenabilityLevel 1–12

    Rhythm, pronunciation, intonation and few distracting pauses or self-corrections.

  • Task FulfillmentLevel 1–12

    Answers every part, with the right tone and length.

Speaking Task 4: Making Predictions guide

Common questions

How long should a CELPIP Speaking Task 4: Making Predictions answer be?

You get 30 seconds to prepare and up to 60 seconds to speak. At a natural pace that's roughly 110 to 155 words. This sample is 144 words, about 64 seconds spoken.

How is CELPIP Speaking Task 4: Making Predictions scored?

CELPIP marks it on Content & Coherence, Vocabulary, Listenability, Task Fulfillment, each on a Level 1 to 12 scale. Your result for the task comes from these together.

Is this a real CELPIP question?

No. It's an original, exam-style question written to match the official format. Nobody can legally publish real test questions.

Should I memorise this answer?

No. Use it to see the structure, length and linking words that work, then answer in your own words. Memorised answers rarely fit a new question and raters notice.

Where can I practice this question and get a score?

Open it on PrepScroll: record or type your own answer and get an instant estimated score on each CELPIP criterion, with what to fix. It's free to start.

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