Atheist base their knowledge on facts, numbers and theories. They like to stay up to date with latest scientific discoveries. They are fascinated by the origin of the world and evolution.
They are not satisfied with what is given to them in the bible. For them there is no deity and they are the ones in control of their own lives. In conclusion, I don't think atheist are smarter than religious people.
I believe that atheist can be more interesting people and can keep a conversation going in an interesting way. They can argue and they can lead with facts and numbers which tend to me much more convincing than what other religious people have to offer. However if you're asking about intelligence on paper that's gonna depend on the person, his or her social background and his ability to solve complex problems.
I know a lot of religious people who are smarter than atheist. The thing about atheist is that they look for logical answers to solve their daily problems.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.