Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

The rumours usually _________ like wild fire.

spread

The most appropriate option to fill in the blank is spread.

The sentence is in the present simple tense, which is used to describe general truths or actions that happen regularly. The verb "spread" is in the singular form because the subject of the sentence is "rumours", which is a plural noun.

The other options are not correct because they are not in the present simple tense.

• Spreading is in the present continuous tense, which is used to describe actions that are happening now.
• Spreads is in the present tense, third person singular form. This is not correct because the subject of the sentence is "rumours", which is a plural noun.
• Are spreading is in the present progressive tense, which is used to describe actions that are happening now and continuing for a period of time. This is not correct because the action of "spreading" is not happening now and continuing for a period of time.