PROSE: AFRICAN: UNEXPECTED JOY AT DAWN What distinguishes Nii Tackie from every other Ghanaian?

Analyze the question: This is a text-recall question from the JAMB prose text Unexpected Joy at Dawn by Alex Agyei-Agyiri. It asks what sets the character Nii Tackie apart from other Ghanaians.

Explain the concept: In JAMB Literature, questions on prose texts test your knowledge of specific details about characters, events and setting. They don't ask for opinions, so you need to recall what the text actually says.

Work through the options:

• A. His accent: Accent is not a physical mark, and nothing in the text singles it out as his distinguishing feature.
• B. His face: Too general. Many Ghanaians have distinct faces, so this wouldn't set him apart from every other Ghanaian.
• C. His tribal mark: A tribal mark is a deliberate, lasting identifier that sets an individual or group apart in West African culture. It fits the idea of a distinguishing feature.
• D. His skin: Skin colour is shared by most Ghanaians, so it cannot distinguish him from them.

Note on confidence: I can't quote the exact passage from memory.

Tip: In prose questions with "distinguishes" or "identifies," look for the option that is specific and unique (like a tribal mark) rather than a general trait shared by many people (like skin or face). Also, re-read the key character descriptions in your set text before the exam.