Error Spotting – Identify the part of the sentence that contains a grammatical error (choose exactly one; select “No error” if the sentence is fully correct). Sentence: A) The foremost criterion of selection we adopted B) were the number of years of training C) a dancer had received D) under a particular guru.

Introduction:
This question targets subject-verb agreement and the singular/plural distinction in words like "criterion" (singular) vs "criteria" (plural).

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Head noun: "criterion" (singular).
• Linking verb phrase in B: "were."
• Complement: "the number of years of training a dancer had received."

Concept / Approach:
The verb must agree with the subject "criterion" (singular), not with the plural noun inside the complement ("years"). Therefore use "was," not "were."

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Identify true subject: "The foremost criterion ..."2) Choose singular agreement: "was."3) Correct version: "The foremost criterion of selection we adopted was the number of years of training a dancer had received under a particular guru."4) Past perfect "had received" is appropriate given a prior training history.

Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute a pronoun: "It was the number..." confirms singular agreement.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• A: Grammatically fine as the subject chunk.
• C–D: Both are acceptable complements/modifiers.

Common Pitfalls:
Attraction to the nearest plural noun ("years") causing incorrect plural verb choice.

Final Answer:
Option B