ShortConsonant contrast
B vs P Sounds Minimal Pairs
/b/ and /p/ pronunciation, listening, and reading practice
/b/ and /p/ use the same lip position. Voicing and the stronger burst of air at the start of English /p/ distinguish them.
Produce both sounds accurately
What changes in the mouth?
B
Close both lips, start the voice, then release.
P
Close both lips and release a small puff of air without voice.
Accuracy note: At the beginning of a stressed English word, /p/ normally has a noticeable puff of air. /b/ has little or none.
12 reviewed contrasts
Listen to the minimal pairs
Play both words in a row. First decide whether they sound the same or different; then repeat each word without adding an extra vowel.
Interactive practice
Listen and choose
Hear one word, then select the word you heard. Complete six questions and replay whenever you need to.
Listen carefully, then choose.
Meaning in context
Read both sounds in sentences
1Put the pear by the bear.
2The big pig sat in the pen.
3The cub tipped the cup.
4Buy a pie at the beach.
Read once slowly for accuracy, then reread at a natural pace. Ask the learner to point to each target word and explain its meaning.
Deliberate practice
A five-minute teaching routine
Play four words and ask the learner to identify sound A or sound B.
Reveal the pair, say both words, and check the mouth cue above.
Read one sentence and discuss how changing the sound changes the word.
Hold a thin piece of paper in front of the lips. It should move more for pin than for bin.
Offline review
Print this sound contrast lesson
The print view includes the mouth cues, reviewed pairs, accuracy note, sentences, and practice routine.