Question

rakhis were like friendship bracelets—made of colorful ribbons or thread, often with beads woven into them—but instead of signifying friendship, these gifts represented the relationship between brothers and sisters.
(1) what does the phrase these gifts refer to? complete the sentence.
beads
ribbons
rakhis
thread
(2) instead of signifying friendship, ____ represented the relationship between brothers and sisters.

Explanation:

The passage first introduces rakhis as items similar to friendship bracelets, then refers to them as "these gifts". The context makes clear that "these gifts" refers to rakhis, which are the items described that represent the brother-sister relationship.

Answer:

rakhis
Completed sentence: Instead of signifying friendship, rakhis represented the relationship between brothers and sisters.