Growing up in the early 2000s, a period when technology began to enter our lives, I remembered my childhood in two distinct parts. In elementary school, my friends and I spent our free time after school playing outside. We would go to different street vendors to eat junk food and buy cheap toys. Sometimes, we would watch cartoons together. But there were few channels back then; we didn’t spend too much time in front of the TV. Everything gradually changed when I started secondary school. Internet had become more popular so I began spending more time at Internet cafe. I would play games online and chat with my friends. Cable channel was also on the rise at the time. There were channels airing cartoons all day, every day. Watching TV became a routine for many kids my age. At the time, I didn’t give much thought about the changes. Now, I realize that I miss those old days hanging out with my friends, eating junk food and sharing toys.

1.  When did the writer grow up?

2.  How did the writer and friends spend their free time in elementary school?

3.  What did the writer do at Internet Café when coming to secondary school?

4.  What was also on the rise at the time when the writer was at secondary school?

5.  What does the writer miss now?