1) Explanation

Let's break down the sentence blank by blank, looking for logical connections and the precise meaning required.
- "Although some people dismiss etiquette as merely (i) $\qquad$ rituals,..."
- The word "Although" signals a contrast. Some people dismiss etiquette, meaning they consider it unimportant or trivial. The blank describes the nature of these "rituals" from the perspective of those who dismiss them.
- A. superficial: Existing or occurring on the surface; not deep or thorough. This fits the idea of something dismissed as trivial or lacking depth.
- B. overwhelming: Very great in amount; overpowering. This doesn't fit the idea of dismissal as "merely" something.
- C. cherished: Valued highly; held dear. This is the opposite of being dismissed.

So, Blank (i) is A. superficial.
- "...it is actually one of the cornerstones of civilization, and is increasingly (ii) $\qquad$ by our informal society."
- The phrase "it is actually one of the cornerstones of civilization" contrasts with the dismissal in the first part, emphasizing etiquette's importance.
- The second part of the clause, connected by "and," describes what is happening to etiquette "by our informal society." If etiquette is a "cornerstone" but society is "informal," there's a likely negative impact on etiquette.
- D. embraced: Held (someone) closely in one's arms, or accepted or adopted (a belief, theory, or change) willingly and enthusiastically. An informal society would likely not embrace formal etiquette.

- E. threatened: (Of a person, animal, or thing) in danger or likely to suffer harm. If etiquette is a cornerstone but society is informal, its existence or importance is likely being challenged or put in danger. This fits the context.
- F. integrated: Combined (one thing) with another so that they become a whole. This doesn't fit the idea of a conflict between etiquette and informal society.

So, Blank (ii) is E. threatened.
Putting It Together:
"Although some people dismiss etiquette as merely superficial rituals, it is actually one of the cornerstones of civilization, and is increasingly threatened by our informal society."

This completed passage logically conveys the contrast between how some perceive etiquette (as trivial) and its actual importance, which is now endangered by modern societal trends.