To select the correct verb for "Abhijat’s spirits ______ when he learnt he had won the prize," analyze the context and connotations of each option:
- Plunged: Signifies a sudden, sharp decrease. This negative connotation contradicts the joy of winning.
- Soared: Indicates a rapid increase or uplift. This positive connotation perfectly matches the elation of receiving good news.
- Zipped: Refers to rapid movement, not emotional states. It is inappropriate for describing a change in mood.
- Tore: Denotes fast, often violent motion, unsuitable for conveying emotional uplift.
Considering the positive outcome of winning a prize, the verb that best reflects an elevated mood is "soared". The completed sentence is: "Abhijat’s spirits soared when he learnt he had won the prize."