Some pupils who wrote matric last year did not know how to use a calculator, failed to read questions properly and could not apply what they had learnt because they did not understand the content of subjects. The Department of Basic Education's technical report analysis of the results attempts to understand why the only subject in which the pass rate did not drop was life orientation, which had a 99% pass rate.The report said pupils lacked a basic understanding of facts they were taught and could not do abstract or "higher order" questions.An analysis of the geometry paper found: "Many could not link and relate the content they had learnt in earlier grades. As a result, candidates were unable to answer questions that were asked differently to the way they had been asked in the past. The integration of topics proved to be a challenge. It must be understood that mathematics cannot be studied in compartments."Analysis of the algebra exam found: "They struggled with mathematics in grades 11 and 12 because they could not do the basic mathematics of grades 8, 9 and 10."Other feedback included: "Learners should be able to read the entire question" and "learners need to know how to use a calculator".The percentage of those who passed maths literacy, the easiest maths subject, dropped from 84% in 2014 to 71% last year.The number that passed accounting dropped from 68% to 59%.The percentage of passes in maths, physical science, life sciences [biology] and economics also dropped."It's a gloomy picture," said Paul Colditz, head of the Federation of Governing Bodies of SA Schools. "We have been focusing on improving maths and science, so any drop is concerning."Executive director of the National Professional Teachers' Organisation of SA Basil Manuel said: "The Umalusi report revealed marks had been adjusted upwards in order to compare results year on year. This gives an idea of how low the pass marks were."The report also found:Only 49% passed maths, down from 53.5% in 2014. In 2013, 59% passed maths; andThe number of those who passed physical science dropped from 61.5% to 58.6% last year...