ShortConsonant contrast
S vs TH Sounds Minimal Pairs
/s/ and /θ/ pronunciation, listening, and reading practice
/s/ keeps the tongue inside the mouth; /θ/ places the tongue tip between the teeth. Both sounds are continuous and voiceless.
Produce both sounds accurately
What changes in the mouth?
S
Keep the tongue behind the teeth and send air through a narrow center groove.
Unvoiced TH
Let the tongue tip show lightly between the teeth while air flows.
Accuracy note: Do not make TH with the tongue behind the teeth. That position creates S instead.
8 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
1Think before you sink.
2The mouse has a small mouth.
3Pass the sign on the path.
4The theme of the math class was space.
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.
Alternate /ssss/ and /θθθ/ while watching the tongue move out for TH.
Offline review
Print this sound contrast lesson
The print view includes the mouth cues, reviewed pairs, accuracy note, sentences, and practice routine.