In the following question, two columns are given, containing three phrases each. A phrase from the first column may or may not connect with a phrase from the second column to make a grammatically and contextually correct sentence. There are five options, four of which display the sequence(s) in which the phrases can be joined to form a correct sentence. If none of the phrases make a correct sentence, mark ‘None of these’ as your answer.

Column (1)

Column (2)

(A) During the 16th century, the spice trade was growing throughout Europe

(D) but it was mostly dominated by the Portuguese.

(B) This, combined with the fact that Portugal united with Spain

(E) in 1580 motivated the Dutch to enter the spice trade because the Dutch Republic was at war with Spain at that time.

(C) At the time of its founding, the Dutch East India Company was given the power to build forts

(F) to keep armies and make treaties.

Question

Column (1)	Column (2)
(A) During the 16th century, the spice trade was growing throughout Europe	(D) but it was mostly dominated by the Portuguese.
(B) This, combined with the fact that Portugal united with Spain	(E) in 1580 motivated the Dutch to enter the spice trade because the Dutch Republic was at war with Spain at that time.
(C) At the time of its founding, the Dutch East India Company was given the power to build forts	(F) to keep armies and make treaties.