Suspecting that computer assisted instruction (CAI) could help teach grammar to freshman composition students at Northeast Missouri State University (NMSU), three instructors received a research grant to begin a program of testing basic writing skills and to initiate CAI instruction for those students who needed help in the tested areas. A survey of available literature on the pros and cons of the computer as teacher helped create a clear idea of the computer's place in English instruction and led to the conclusion that the programs should be written by the teachers themselves. The first step in the project was the writing of a diagnostic test, which was completed in time to be administered to the second session summer composition students. Slight modifications readied it for use in the fall. Having become more familiar with NMSU's computer and the English program on it, the instructors conducted additional research through the ERIC system and examined the English programs available on the PLATO system. Both activities pointed up the great amounts of time and money needed to get a full-fledged program going. Still, the instructors were convinced that the computer could have a positive effect on NMSU's English program. (The areas covered by the diagnostic test and the ERIC materials surveyed are appended.) (JL)