An application of the self-authoring component of commercial software programs is described that can be used effectively in English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classrooms whose students have a wide range of literacy skills. The programs described, DOUBLE UP and RHUBARB, are in the form of a puzzle that helps students to practice reconstructing sentences to see how grammar works. The feature of the software that allows the teacher to write text can be used to adapt the program to fit the needs of specific students. Uses of the software and this application in Gavilan College's (California) first and second semester ESL curricula are described. After completing lists of curriculum related paragraphs, the students are introduced to chapters of a novela that follow the course curriculum. DOUBLE UP and RHUBARB are effective teaching tools because they offer authoring programs for instructors who would like to write material directly related to class content. Student response at Gavilan has been excellent in terms of enthusiasm and computer center attendance hours. (LB)