In this English grammar error spotting question, identify the incorrect part of the sentence: "Their belongings were lost iin the fire."

Introduction / Context:
This question checks attention to detail as well as basic sentence structure in English. The sentence is "Their belongings were lost iin the fire." It looks straightforward, but candidates must carefully observe spelling, subject verb agreement, and preposition usage. Exam setters often include small typographical errors to test whether students read each word closely rather than relying only on general meaning. Identifying such errors is an important skill in proof reading and accurate written communication.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The sentence describes belongings that were destroyed in a fire.
• Segment (a) is "Their belongings".
• Segment (b) is "were lost".
• Segment (c) is "iin the fire".
• Segment (d) is "No error".
• We assume standard English spelling conventions are required.

Concept / Approach:
Grammatically, the structure "Their belongings were lost in the fire" is correct: plural subject "belongings", plural verb form "were", and prepositional phrase "in the fire" describing where the belongings were lost. The only issue in the given sentence is the misspelling of the preposition "in" as "iin". Spelling errors of this kind are considered valid targets in error spotting questions. Therefore, that segment must be treated as incorrect. The rest of the sentence does not violate any rule.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Check segment (a) "Their belongings". The possessive determiner "Their" correctly refers to a group, and "belongings" is a correct plural noun. Step 2: Examine segment (b) "were lost". The past passive form "were lost" matches the plural subject and is grammatically acceptable. Step 3: Look at segment (c) "iin the fire". Immediately notice that "iin" has two consecutive letters "i". Step 4: Recall that the correct preposition is spelled "in", not "iin". Step 5: Recognize that the intended phrase is "in the fire", which is standard English. Step 6: Conclude that the only error in the sentence is the spelling mistake in segment (c).

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, rewrite the sentence in correct form: "Their belongings were lost in the fire." This version reads smoothly and follows all the usual rules. There is no disagreement between subject and verb, no incorrect preposition, and the meaning is clear. As there are no further issues after correcting "iin" to "in", we can be confident that this spelling error is the intended point of the question. No other segment suggests a grammatical fault.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option (a) "Their belongings" correctly uses a plural possessive determiner and a plural noun. Option (b) "were lost" is the correct passive form for a plural subject in the simple past. Option (d) "No error" is not valid, because we have clearly identified a spelling mistake in segment (c).

Common Pitfalls:
Many candidates rush through error spotting questions and focus only on bigger grammar points such as tense or agreement. As a result, they overlook small but important details like spelling, capitalization, and duplication of letters. Exams frequently include such subtle issues. To avoid missing them, read each word slowly at least once, and train your eye to notice extra or missing letters. Consistent practice improves accuracy and reduces careless mistakes.

Final Answer:
The incorrect part is in option (c) "iin the fire", where "iin" should be "in". Therefore, the correct answer is "iin the fire".