MARKS in nine 2010 matric papers set by the Department of Basic Education were adjusted upwards by Umalusi, the organisation said yesterday.

Accountancy, consumer studies, English home language, English first additional language, geography, mathematics, Sesotho home language, Setswana home language and Tshivenda home language were adjusted upwards.

Subjects adjusted downwards were agricultural sciences, civil technology, electrical technology, IsiNdebele home language, IsiZulu home language, IsiXhosa first additional language, life sciences, religion studies, Siswati home language and Xitsonga home language.

Umalusi chairperson Sizwe Mabizela said yesterday adjustments varied in each subject. Some adjustments were at the lower end of marks and others at the higher end of the marks in a subject.

In English home language there was a slight upward adjustment of a maximum of three marks for pupils who scored in the lower third.

The results of 15 papers set by the Independent Examinations Board for matric 2010 were also adjusted.

The subjects adjusted upwards were Afrikaans first additional language, business studies, dramatic arts, mathematics, physical science, visual arts, Arabic second additional language, French second additional language, advanced programme mathematics and sport and exercise science.

Accountancy, German second additional language, mathematical literacy and Hebrew second additional language were adjusted downwards.

Engineering graphics and design had a downward adjustment at the higher mark levels and an upward adjustment at the lower mark levels.

Of pupils' total matric mark, 75percent is from the exam and 25percent from class-based assessment.

The IEB sets papers for pupils at independent or "private" schools. The results of nine 2010 exam papers set by the Eksamenraad vir Christelike Onderwys had also been adjusted.