What's the difference?
Minimal pairs and maximal opposition are similar in that involve comparing two or more sounds in words that differ only by the target sound.
Minimal Pairs
For example, /r/ can be contrasted with /w/ in minimal pairs of words such as the following minimal pairs where the initial phoneme is contrasted:
ring-wing
rake-wake
ripe-wipe
Maximal Pairs
This differs from minimal pairs as the two sounds are contrasted to identify the best sound selection method to maximise phonological learning, so examples may be:
ring-ding
ray-day
Place-Voice-Manner Chart
One of the best places to go to think about contrasts is a Place-Voice-Manner Chart.
Minimal Pairs in Voca Quest
Therapy approaches (including minimal pairs), can be paired with games in Voca Quest to help make therapy more engaging.
