Dialogue-functional scheme as a specific means of teaching

The cue in the form of a dialogue-functional scheme is given a specific place. Here communicative functions of separate replies, their sequence and interrelation are indicated on the scheme. Speech input itself is not shown. That is why such schemes are related to non-verbal references. The functional scheme is a peculiar model of a dialogue. The mentioned above conversation between a shop assistant and a customer may be presented in the following functional scheme:

‘functional question’ (an offer to help)
	informing; asking for something; requesting
specification question
	answering
offering/ suggesting

In comparison with subjective and illustrative cues, functional schemes make learners feel rather free and less dependent. The scheme indicates only the functions of replies and determines their sequence. However, it restricts the pupils’ initiative. That is why any cue should be withdrawn in the end.