I don't see that k = 16 is extraneous. If k = 4, then the roots are -1/2 and 3/2, difference is 2. If k = 16, then the roots are -5/4 and 3/4, difference is 2.
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.