CELPIP Speaking Task 3 and Task 4

Describe a Picture + Prediction Templates

Quick answer: Task 3 describes what you see now, while Task 4 predicts what happens next. If you keep this distinction clear and use sequence words, your response will be easier to follow and score better.

Core Difference Between Task 3 and Task 4

  • Task 3 describes what is happening now in the picture.
  • Task 4 predicts what will happen next after the picture moment.
  • Task 3 keywords: can see, is doing, in the background, seems to be.
  • Task 4 keywords: will, might, probably, next, after that.

Task 3: Describe a Picture

Task 3 - 4-5 Band Template

Best for basic responses that focus on visible details.

  • State the main subject first
  • Describe 1 to 2 simple actions
  • End with a basic feeling or state

In the picture, I can see [main subject].

There is / There are [people/things].

One person is [action].

They seem to be [feeling/state].

Task 3 - 6-7 Band Template

Adds background and clearer layering of details.

  • Add person count or role
  • Add background detail
  • Use phrase-level inference

In the picture, there is a group of people who are [main action].

There are [number] people, and [person 1] is [action].

One of them appears to be [action].

In the background, I can see [background detail].

They seem to be having a good time.

Task 3 - 8-9 Band Template

More complete visual hierarchy with stronger transitions.

  • Contrast two actions with while
  • Add inference sentence
  • End with overall scene interpretation

In this picture, I can see [main scene] on a [weather/time/place] day.

The [person/object] is [action], while the [other person/object] is [action].

It looks like [inference].

In the background, there are [details], and [extra detail].

Overall, it seems that they are [overall feeling/state].

Task 3 - 10 Band Template

Natural, vivid, and layered description with mood inference.

  • Use richer detail and atmosphere
  • Blend direct observation with interpretation
  • Close with confident overall conclusion

In this image, there is [main subject] that seems to be [overall action/state].

The [person 1] is [detailed action], fully immersed in [activity], while the [person 2] is [action].

I also notice that [small detail], which makes the scene feel [mood].

In the background, [background detail], and the overall atmosphere appears [adjective].

It is clear that [overall conclusion about the scene].

Task 3 Universal Template

In this picture, I can see [main subject].

There are [people/things] in the scene.

One person is [action], while another person is [action].

In the background, I can see [detail].

It looks like they are [state].

Overall, they seem to be having a [adjective] time.

Task 3 High-Frequency Phrases

In the picture, I can see...

There is / There are...

One person is...

while...

In the background...

It looks like...

They seem to be...

Task 4: Prediction

Task 4 - 4-5 Band Template

Simple prediction flow with clear next actions.

  • State a direct prediction
  • Add one or two likely actions
  • Close with simple outcome

I think what will happen next is that [prediction].

Maybe [person] will [action].

After that, they might [next action].

It might be a good day for them.

Task 4 - 6-7 Band Template

Adds reasons and branching actions for better coherence.

  • Use sequence words (next, after that)
  • Split actions across groups
  • Add because-clause reasoning

I think next, the people might [action].

Some of them could [action], while others might [different action].

After that, they will probably [next step].

They might [final action] because [reason].

They will probably enjoy their time together.

Task 4 - 8-9 Band Template

Stronger logic chain with evidence-based prediction.

  • Use picture-based reason
  • Keep clear time progression
  • End with emotional or practical result

I believe what will happen next is that [main prediction].

One of them might start to [action], while the others may [action].

Since [reason based on the picture], they will probably [prediction].

After spending some time [activity], they could [next step].

They will most likely [ending], full of [emotion/result].

Task 4 - 10 Band Template

Advanced narrative forecasting with natural spoken rhythm.

  • Use confident projection language
  • Expand with extended prediction
  • Conclude with atmosphere and result

I imagine that the next thing that will happen is [prediction].

It seems likely that [person/people] will [action], especially because [reason].

Perhaps a few of them will [action], while the others might [another action].

After that, they may [next event], and they could even [extended prediction].

It is very likely that they will [final result], making it a [overall feeling] experience.

Task 4 Universal Template

I think what will happen next is that [prediction].

First, they will probably [action].

Then, they might [next action].

Since [reason], this is very likely.

After that, they could [another action].

Overall, they will probably enjoy themselves.

Task 4 High-Frequency Phrases

I think what will happen next is that...

I believe...

It seems likely that...

Maybe...

They will probably...

After that...

Overall...

Direct Memorization Version (Task 3)

In this picture, I can see [main subject].

There are [people/things] in the scene.

One person is [action], while another person is [action].

In the background, I can see [detail].

It looks like they are [state].

Overall, they seem to be having a [adjective] time.

Direct Memorization Version (Task 4)

I think what will happen next is that [prediction].

First, they will probably [action].

Then, they might [next action].

Since [reason], this is very likely.

After that, they could [another action].

Overall, they will probably enjoy themselves.

FAQs

What is the key difference between Task 3 and Task 4?

Task 3 is present-focused description, while Task 4 is future-focused prediction.

What words are useful for Task 3?

Use can see, there is/are, in the background, seems to be, and while for contrast.

What words are useful for Task 4?

Use will, might, probably, next, after that, and it seems likely.

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