In this sentence completion question, choose the word that best completes the sentence: "His success is worthy of ______________."

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of fixed expressions and collocations in English. The sentence "His success is worthy of ____________" is a common pattern used to praise someone whose achievements deserve to be followed or matched by others. The most natural and formal word that fits this pattern is "emulation". Recognising such standard pairings of words helps greatly in exams and in formal writing.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The sentence is: "His success is worthy of ______________."
• The options are "copying", "aping", "simulation", "emulation", and "duplication".
• The context is clearly positive praise of success, not criticism or mockery.

Concept / Approach:
The phrase "worthy of emulation" is a standard, formal collocation in English. "To emulate" means to match or surpass a person or achievement, typically by imitation that shows respect and admiration. It is a more refined word than "copy" or "ape", which can sound crude or negative. "Simulation" and "duplication" are usually used for technical or mechanical contexts, not for praising success. Therefore, the best choice is "emulation", which fits both the meaning and the tone of the sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the phrase "worthy of", which suggests something deserving respect or admiration. Step 2: Consider "emulation". It means respectful imitation with the aim of matching someone's qualities or success. Step 3: Option A "copying" is informal and neutral; it lacks the nuance of admiration and can sometimes sound negative. Step 4: Option B "aping" usually has a negative tone, suggesting silly or mindless imitation. Step 5: Option C "simulation" is used for models, virtual environments, or acting as if something is real; it does not fit moral praise. Step 6: Option E "duplication" refers to exact copying of objects or documents and is again too mechanical for describing human success. Step 7: Only "emulation" combines the ideas of imitation and respect, making it the best fit.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider common phrases from formal writing: "His conduct is worthy of emulation", "Her dedication is worthy of emulation by young professionals", "These leaders set an example worthy of emulation". In each case, "emulation" conveys respectful imitation. Replacing it with "copying" or "aping" makes the sentence less formal and may even sound rude. This confirms that "emulation" is the collocation expected in this context.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Copying" is too plain and does not convey the respectful tone implied by "worthy of". "Aping" is clearly negative and suggests thoughtless mimicry, not admirable success. "Simulation" refers to creating an imitation of a situation or system for training or research, not to following a person's success. "Duplication" is typically used in technical contexts such as copying files or documents. None of these alternatives deliver the positive, respectful sense needed.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students may choose "copying" because it seems closest in basic meaning, but they overlook the formal tone of "worthy of". Others may be unfamiliar with "emulation" and avoid it simply because it is less common in everyday speech. To avoid such mistakes, build your vocabulary by paying attention to common exam phrases and editorial language, where expressions like "worthy of emulation" are frequently used.

Final Answer:
The sentence should read: "His success is worthy of emulation."