Biology 30
Outcome LE1
Unit 1 Life and Evolution
Introduction to Biology
Are Viruses Alive?
Assessment
Scientists have debated whether viruses are living or nonliving. Your task is to determine
which side of the debate you fall on. Ultimately, you will need to answer the following
question in this assessment:
Are viruses alive?
You must:
 Write a 250 word minimum response to this question.
 Support your decision with research. Use supportive evidence from at least two
sources.
 Include a “Works Cited” page.
Rubric
5
4
3
2
1
A thoughtful
detailed response
demonstrating a
strong
understanding of
the science
concept in
question,
supported by
details and
evidence.
The response can
stand alone from
the question and
be understood.
A detailed
response
demonstrating
considerable
understanding of
the science
concept in
question,
supported by some
details and
evidence.
The response may
or may not stand
alone from the
question and still
be understood.
The response
demonstrates a
partial
understanding of
the science
concept in
question, lacking
details and
evidence. The
response
demonstrates
some confusion or
misconceptions
about the science
concept.
The response
demonstrates little
understanding of
the science
concept in
question and lacks
specific details and
evidence.
The response
demonstrates little
to no
understanding of
the science
concept. The
response lacks the
information
necessary to
communicate their
ideas effectively,
such as “yes” with
no further
elaboration.
The response is
written in clear
sentences with
correct
punctuation.
The response is
written in
sentences with
only minor
punctuation and
grammatical
errors.
The response is
written mostly in
sentences with
some punctuation
and grammatical
concerns.
The response is
written in short
phrases or
sentence
fragments.
The response is
unreadable.
1