I usually study with another person, I give them my notes and have them read the notes through to me, then do it once again but have them leave out important words or information that I have to supply. Otherwise, you could make flash cards, to study on your own, read over the information you are trying to study, or rewrite the information you are trying to study, which helps you process and keep the info in your mind. Hope this helps!
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.