#9. Task 4: Making Predictions & Templates

What this task is: You see the same image from Task 3. Now, you say what will happen next. You get 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak. Your goal is realistic predictions linked to visible clues.

The WILL frame (works every time)

W — What you see (clue): point to one clear thing in the picture.
I — Inference (likely next step): say what will happen next.
L — Link (reason): use because/so/since to tie the action to the clue.
L — Last line (wrap): one short conclusion.

Skeleton you can fill:

“Because I see [clue], they will [likely action] soon. So, [result]. Overall, [wrap].”

Timing map for 60 seconds

• 0–8s — Set the scene: one line that names the place and points to the main clue.
• 8–40s — Two predictions: each = clue → likely action → short result.
• 40–55s — Optional third prediction (only if time remains).
• 55–60s — Wrap in one line.

Watch the progress bar. If it’s near the end, stop adding ideas and give your last line.

Language to sound natural (future + hedging)

Future forms:

• will / going to / about to / likely to / might
• time cues: soon, next, in a minute, after that

Hedging (be realistic, not certain):

• It looks like… They will probably… They might… It seems that…

Cause–effect links:

• because, so, therefore, since, as a result

Place makers (help the listener “see” it):

• at the counter, by the sign, near the entrance, on the platform, in the back

What to do in prep time (30 seconds)

• Write three cues: [Clue 1] → [Next] → [Why], [Clue 2] → [Next] → [Why], [Wrap].
• Pick simple future words you can say quickly (will, going to, might).
• Avoid guessing stories; tie each idea to something visible.

Phrase banks (plug-and-play)

Openers

• “This is a [place]; because the [clue] is showing, they’ll [next step].”
• “I notice [object/action]; so the [person/people] are about to [action].”

Prediction lines

• “The [role] will [verb] soon, since [clue].”
• “They’re going to [verb] next; as a result, [small outcome].”
• “If [trigger] happens, they might [action].”

Wrap lines

• “Overall, this will keep things moving.”
• “In short, the line will clear and people will head out.”

Complete templates

Template A — Two solid predictions

“This looks like a [place]. Because the [clue] is visible, the [person] will [action] soon, so [result].
Also, the [second clue] means [group] will [action], which will [result].
Overall, things will [wrap].”

Template B — If/when trigger

“I notice [trigger]. When that happens, [person] will [action].
After that, [second action] will [result].
In short, [wrap].”

Template C — Front → back focus

“At the front, [clue + action], so they’ll [next].
Behind them, [clue + action], so [group] will [next].
Overall, [wrap].”

Samples you can adapt (~60 seconds each)

1) Grocery checkout

“This looks like a grocery checkout. Because the card is tapped and the receipt is printing, the customer will leave soon, so the next person will move up.
Also, the staff member is restocking fruit beside a Saturday-hours sign; they’ll finish the display and open that lane, so the area will move faster.
Overall, the line will shorten in the next minute.”

2) Bus stop with ticket machine

“We’re at a bus stop. Since the screen shows 5:40 and a bus is arriving, riders will board quickly, so some people might stand if seats are full.
Also, the person at the machine is printing a pass; they’ll grab the ticket and run for the rear door.
In short, the platform will clear and the next group will line up.”

3) Community centre registration

“This is a community centre. Because the receptionist has an ID in hand, she’ll finish the check-in, so the visitor will get a wristband.
Meanwhile, two parents are filling forms; they’ll join the desk next, so the line will move slowly but steadily.
Overall, it will stay busy but organized.”

4) Park event

“At a park event, a singer is on a small stage. Since a volunteer is placing extra bins, the crowd will start eating and tossing waste there, so the grounds will stay cleaner.
Also, people on blankets will stand when the next song starts, so kids will move closer to the path.
In short, the area will stay lively and under control.”

Common mistakes (with quick fixes)

• Wild guessing (“They’re late for a flight”).
  Fix: add a clue: “Because they’re holding boarding passes…”

• Only present tense (“They are paying”).
  Fix: switch to future: “They will pay, then head out.”

• No reason after the prediction.
  Fix: add because/so: “They’ll open a second desk because the line is long.”

• Too many mini-stories.
  Fix: make two strong predictions with clear links.

• Vague nouns.
  Fix: use roles/objects: cashier, driver, ID, pass, counter, platform.

Two short drills

Drill 1 — 3×20 seconds:
Say three mini lines: clue → will → because/so. No wrap needed.

Drill 2 — One full minute:
Use the WILL frame: What you see → Inference → Link → Last line.

Micro-checklist before you speak

• Named one visible clue for each prediction
• Used will / going to / might naturally
• Added because/so to show logic
• Gave two predictions (third only if time)
• One clean wrap line