Teaching Tip: Using Minimal Pairs to Build Listening and Pronunciation Skills
- ESLC
- Feb 7
- 2 min read
Minimal pairs are two words that differ by only one sound, such as ship/sheep, fan/van, or cut/gut. Practicing them helps learners hear distinctions that may not exist in their first language and improves both listening comprehension and pronunciation.
A key reminder: students will struggle with different sounds depending on their language background. This isn’t about labeling learners or making assumptions about individuals, but about ensuring we rotate practice so everyone gets targeted listening opportunities.
Examples of commonly challenging contrasts:
Spanish speakers may benefit from extra practice with /b/ and /v/ (berry/very)
Somali speakers may benefit from extra practice with /b/ and /p/ (bat/pat)
Many learners benefit from /l/ and /r/ (light/right)
Some learners benefit from short vs. long vowels (ship/sheep, full/fool)
The goal is variety. Over time, include many different contrasts so no group is singled out and every learner strengthens unfamiliar sound distinctions.
A Few Simple 5-Minute Routines to Try
Listen & Choose – Say two words. Students show 1 or 2 with fingers.
Movement Response – Left side of the room = word A, right side = word B.
Student Caller – Students read the words aloud while classmates identify them.
Quick Sentences – “I hear a ___.” Students fill in the focus sound they hear.
Youtube Videos to Share
Consider adjusting the playback speed on these videos. If you slow it down to lower than 80%, though, it becomes too unnatural to be helpful. 80% seems to be just right.
Pronunciation Pairs: /æ/ vs /ɑ/ - American English: https://youtu.be/GxINTX8xU9U?si=RFAsL7h0lX6i_bZQ
/i/ vs /ɪ/ Minimal Pairs - American English: https://youtu.be/mpz7A3hwI34?si=9rJN7ytHn4DAPcd5
CH vs SH - /tʃ/ vs /ʃ/ Minimal Pairs - American English: https://youtu.be/5e-toZfYrJI?si=CAKpdYWBfV3xkxNv
This activity works best as a quick daily warm-up. Consistency matters more than length. A few minutes each class builds awareness, confidence, and clearer communication over time.
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