Q: What is the difference between 'general and specific corrections' and 'minor and major corrections'?

Actually, you needn’t worry too much about this segregation. From what you have described, while the two reviewers have identified their suggested/requested changes with different nomenclature, you seem to be quite clear about how to address them. You seem to be unsure of only one comment. As that has been identified as ‘minor’ by one reviewer and as ‘specific’ by another, it looks to be an easy fix. Also, a comment can be both ‘minor’ and ‘specific,’ just as it can be any of the other combinations as well. :-)

This demarcation happens because the two reviewers review in different styles, and the editor when collating their comments, just overlays one with the other, instead of syncing them up and having only one style. It’s not very ideal, but that’s the way it is.

Again, you sound quite sorted about how to proceed with the changes. But if you’re still not sure, you could consider dropping in a mail to the editor to check.

For the peer review changes, you may find the following resources helpful:

• How to respond to comments by peer reviewers
• How to write a great rebuttal letter
• How to handle peer review comments [Mail-based course]

Hope that helps. All the best for the fixes and hopefully a positive outcome!

Dear Irfan,

Thank you very much for your reply.

You are welcome. :-)