Octave: make it as much MATLAB-compatible as possible?

Aside using the --traditional option there's nothing you can do. Simply do not use the extra syntax that Octave offers. After all, Matlab syntax is a subset of the GNU Octave language, and it's up to you to use that subset only.

I guess it is better to use a GUI that does it for you. I personally use Xoctave due to its support and Matlab like interface.

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.