The author conducted a qualitative research study (Larrotta, 2005) and collected data on the use of inquiry cycles as a pedagogic activity to provide students with opportunities to develop ESL (English as a second language) literacy. The purpose of this paper is to share the author's findings on implementing inquiry cycles in an ESL literacy class with 17 Hispanic adults who were enrolled in a cost-free adult literacy program in Central Texas. From experience working as a volunteer instructor in ESL literacy programs and as reported by the study participants, two main problems were identified: (1) student engagement; and (2) transferability of lessons to students' lives.