Fumble is to Finesse in a relationship of opposites in skill. In the same way, Malign is related to which of the following words?

Introduction / Context:
This analogy tests understanding of antonyms and word nuance. Fumble and Finesse are contrasted in terms of clumsy performance versus skilful handling. You must extend this idea of opposite qualities to the word Malign and choose the word that expresses the opposite attitude.

Given Data / Assumptions:
1) Fumble means to handle something clumsily or awkwardly, especially with the hands or in performance.

Concept / Approach:
The first pair contrasts awkwardness with grace in action. The second should contrast negative talk with positive talk. To Malign someone is to speak ill of them, to defame them or say unjust negative things. The natural opposite of speaking ill is to praise, admire, or speak well, which is what Extol means.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the relationship in the first pair. Fumble is clumsy or unskillful handling, while Finesse is delicate skill and smooth handling. Step 2: Understand that the pair represents an opposition in the quality of action. Step 3: Determine the meaning of Malign, which is to speak about someone in a very negative, harmful, or unfair way. Step 4: Look for a word among the options that represents the opposite of speaking ill. Extol means to praise highly or speak in glowing terms, which contrasts clearly with Malign. Step 5: Confirm that this is a strong antonym pair, similar in structure to Fumble and Finesse.

Verification / Alternative check:
Check each option quickly. Slander is nearly the same as Malign, so it repeats the negative idea and cannot be correct. Criticize is also negative. Assurance does not directly oppose Malign in terms of speaking well of someone. Only Extol directly captures the idea of praising, which stands opposite to speaking ill.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Slander and Criticize both describe negative speech and are therefore close in meaning to Malign, not opposites. Assurance is about giving confidence or guarantee, which does not relate directly to praising or defaming. None of these create the opposite of Malign as required by the analogy.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent error is to select a near synonym such as Slander because students forget that the first pair is an opposition, not a similarity. Always pay attention to whether the first pair of words is similar or opposite. In this case, Fumble and Finesse describe very different levels of skill, so the second pair should also contrast opposite attitudes.

Final Answer:
Therefore, Malign is related to Extol in the same opposite way that Fumble is related to Finesse. The correct answer is Extol.