ShortConsonant contrast
S vs Z Sounds Minimal Pairs
/s/ and /z/ pronunciation, listening, and reading practice
/s/ and /z/ use the same tongue shape. The difference is voicing, including when the sounds occur at the end of a word.
Produce both sounds accurately
What changes in the mouth?
S
Keep the tongue near the ridge behind the teeth and let air hiss without voice.
Z
Keep the same narrow air channel and add voice.
Accuracy note: Do not move the tongue between the sounds. Switch only the voice on or off.
9 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
1Zip the bag after one sip.
2The bus made a buzz.
3Do not lose the loose cap.
4Her eyes saw ice.
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 /ssss/ and turn on the voice to make /zzzz/ without moving the jaw.
Offline review
Print this sound contrast lesson
The print view includes the mouth cues, reviewed pairs, accuracy note, sentences, and practice routine.