SEMONEMO English Program
Writers' League
Critical nonfiction reading and logical writing, taught by an AP exam reader — global writing competition prep + advanced nonfiction reading
Enrollment is available after a placement test and an individual consultation.
About the class
One of the essential skills students need in US schools and in college admissions is critical reading — and the ability to express their own view on what they read in clear, logical English writing. Semonemo Writers' League is an advanced program that builds students' nonfiction reading and writing skills to the level where they can submit work to real global writing competitions.
The AP English Language exam and the Digital SAT Reading & Writing don't test 'instinct' — they test specific, learnable skills: rhetorical analysis, use of evidence, vocabulary in context, a defensible thesis, and a consistent line of reasoning. In this class, students learn those skills directly from a current AP English Language teacher who is also an official College Board AP exam reader. A teacher who has sat on the grading side shows students exactly what separates a 3 from a 5.
Over 32 weeks, students read high-level nonfiction in depth, build arguments that hold up, and submit their own work to a global writing competition open to students ages 13–19 worldwide. Winning entries are published under the student's own byline. This isn't workbook test prep — it's a rare chance to learn directly from the people who grade.
Who it's for
- Students currently in grades 9–10
- 8th graders may join after a placement review (writing sample required · age 13+)
- Students living in the US (Eastern ET / Pacific PT time zones)
- Placement by completing Semonemo Writing Level 7 or by writing sample review
- All new students must submit a writing sample
The 4-week curriculum cycle
Week 1
Nonfiction Deep Reading
- Close reading of long-form nonfiction articles.
- Academic vocabulary in context, identifying the claim, tracing the evidence, and mapping the argument.
Week 2
Opinion Workshop + Live Publication
- Read. Write. Critique each other. Publish.
- Students write their opinion on real news prompts and publish it on a public forum read by students across the country.
Week 3
AP Language & SAT Skills
- Rhetorical analysis (ethos · pathos · logos), vocabulary in context, use of evidence, text structure, cross-text connections, transitions, and conventions.
- Timed SAT-format practice with nonfiction passages.
Week 4
1:1 Writing Conference
- Twenty minutes, one-on-one with Ms. Molly.
- Individual feedback on the student's writing and direct coaching on competition entries.
Writing genres
Not five-paragraph essays — students write real pieces for real competitions. Over the year, they work across many genres and build their own writing portfolio.
Narrative
Argument
Analysis & critique
Informational & explanatory
Response to current events
Class info
Up to 6 students
Small group (opens with at least 3)
70 min weekly
One class per week · Week 4 is a 1:1 writing conference
$475 / 4 weeks
One cycle · all materials and workbooks included · Re-enroll every 4 weeks
Tuition and re-enrollment
- This class runs in 4-week cycles, and you re-enroll every 4 weeks.
- Each cycle is 4 weeks (4 classes); at the end of each cycle, you re-enroll for the next 4 weeks.
- Full season: 32 weeks · 8 cycles
Instructor and results
Taught by Ms. Molly Lepore
- 25 years as a certified teacher in Colorado
- Current AP English Language & Composition teacher
- Official College Board AP English Language exam reader
Hall of Fame
- Last year, one Writers' League student (grade 10) earned an Honorable Mention in a NYT contest — twice!
- With Semonemo's structured coaching, which brings out each student's original voice and builds critical thinking, you too can prove your skills on a global stage.
Parent reviews
“My child asked me to share some good news — their essay was shortlisted in the John Locke essay competition! … Thank you for reviewing the essay together and encouraging my child so much throughout the process!”
Translated from Korean
1:1 private classes available
Every class can also be taken as a private 1:1 class instead of a group class, with the schedule and pace set for your child.
How classes work
- Student page
- After enrolling, you'll get a link to your child's student page. Join class, find class materials, and watch past class recordings — all in one place. Bookmark it on your child's device.
- Homework
- Each class's teacher shares homework and feedback.
- Absences and make-ups
- Missed classes still count toward your enrolled classes. For group classes, your child can catch up with the recording. If something comes up, please let the teacher know in advance — the teacher may not count the class or may schedule a make-up.
- Refunds
- See section 5 (Refunds) of our Terms of Service.
Not sure where to start?
Through a level test and consultation, we'll find the right class and teacher for your child.
Book a Consultation