Minimal pairs as at present used in the ESL classroom are uncontextualized bits of language that are of little use to the ESL teacher. An alternative, minimal sentences, is described here. Minimal sentences give context and meaning to the sound contrasts. (RM)

Presents study in which native-speaker teachers of English, Greek teachers of English, and English native-speakers who were not teachers judged seriousness of errors made by Greek-speaking students of English in their last year of high school. Results show native English speakers were more lenient than Greek teachers, and three groups differed in…

The limitations of both methods, and their practical applications, are discussed. (RM)