Maria … tears when she was told that she failed the final examination.

Analyze the question: The sentence needs a phrasal verb that fits with "tears" and describes a sudden reaction to bad news.

Explain the concept: The phrasal verb "break into" has several meanings. One of them is to suddenly begin doing something, usually an emotional expression. Common examples:

• break into tears
• break into laughter
• break into song
• break into a run

Check each option:

• A. broke to: not a standard phrasal verb, so it doesn't work here.
• B. broke up: means to end a relationship, to disperse, or to separate into pieces. We don't say "broke up tears."
• C. broke with: means to end an association (e.g., "broke with tradition"). It doesn't fit.
• D. broke into: means to suddenly start something. "Broke into tears" is the correct idiom.

Correct sentence: Maria broke into tears when she was told that she failed the final examination.

Exam tip: Remember the pattern "break into + sudden emotion or action" (tears, laughter, song, a run). Also keep in mind "break down in tears" is a related idiom, but "break into tears" is the form that fits the options here.