ShortConsonant contrast
K vs G Sounds Minimal Pairs
/k/ and /ɡ/ pronunciation, listening, and reading practice
/k/ and /ɡ/ are made at the same place at the back of the mouth. Voicing distinguishes the pair.
Produce both sounds accurately
What changes in the mouth?
K
Raise the back of the tongue, stop the air, and release without voice.
G
Use the same tongue contact and add voice.
Accuracy note: Do not add a vowel after final /k/ or /ɡ/. End back and bag with one clean consonant release.
10 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
1The goat had a red coat.
2Pick up the big bag.
3The duck dug by the log.
4A cap sat in the gap.
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.
Touch the throat. It stays quiet for /k/ and vibrates for /ɡ/.
Offline review
Print this sound contrast lesson
The print view includes the mouth cues, reviewed pairs, accuracy note, sentences, and practice routine.