In the question below, two columns of phrases are provided—Column I and Column II. Choose the pair that, when joined with the given connector, forms a grammatically correct and contextually meaningful sentence.

Column I	Column II
A. The sudden change in weather forced the hikers	D. ____ it held firm as they crossed the rushing river below
B. The old wooden bridge creaked under their weight,	E. ____ amusing everyone with its endless bursts of energy
C. After the long and exhausting journey,	F. ____ take shelter in a nearby cabin until the storm passed

Correct option is D

Step-by-Step Analysis
We need to join each pair with the given connector so that the sentence is grammatically correct and contextually meaningful.
Pair 1: A–F (to)
· Column I: The sudden change in weather forced the hikers
· Column II: take shelter in a nearby cabin until the storm passed
Joining with to:
“The sudden change in weather forced the hikers to take shelter in a nearby cabin until the storm passed.”
Grammatically correct and contextually logical.
Pair 2: B–D (but)
· Column I: The old wooden bridge creaked under their weight,
· Column II: it held firm as they crossed the rushing river below
Joining with but:
“The old wooden bridge creaked under their weight, but it held firm as they crossed the rushing river below.”
Correct and meaningful contrast.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
· (a) B–E (by): “The old wooden bridge creaked under their weight by amusing everyone...” – illogical.
· (b) A–D (and): “The sudden change in weather forced the hikers and it held firm...” – mismatch of subjects; illogical.
· (c) C–E (and); B–F (so): “After the long and exhausting journey, and amusing everyone...” – incomplete; and B–F is contextually wrong.
· (e) B–D (since); A–E (Although): “The old wooden bridge creaked under their weight since it held firm...” – illogical cause-effect; and A–E does not connect properly.
Final Answer:
(d) A–F (to); B–D (but)