The essay must be a substantial theoretical and analytical piece of work. It is vital that you use a framework developed during the module to analyse concrete developments, i.e. you could use an economic, legislative or sociological approach to talk about developments in cultural industries. Do not simply describe future trends or speculate about what might happen in the next decade. Your essay should provide a clear conceptual basis for locating changes in cultural industries and assessing the consequences.
Be critical. This does not mean being pessimistic about the impact of cultural industries, but requires you to confront particular schools of thought, cultural critics and communications analysts. Construct an argument that is developed, tested and evaluated by the end of the essay. That means that you need a clear structure before you start writing.