1. Choose any race-based inequality that we've discussed so far (for example, you might choose to talk about educational inequalities; economic inequalities; inequalities in the political sphere; or contact with the criminal justice system.) You can discuss the inequality you've chosen in broad terms, or you can use a specific example (from a news story, for instance.)

2. Provide a meritocratic explanation for the inequality you've chosen. This tends to be the explanation people give if they are unfamiliar with social science research.

3. Now, offer a more structural explanation. Remember - structural explanations will take into account the role of social institutions and historical patterns. This is the explanation preferred by social scientists.