Which of the following is NOT improved by exercise?

• A. Attention
• B. Immediate recall
• C. Vocabulary
• D. Delayed recall

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is how physical activity influences different cognitive functions. Exercise tends to sharpen attention and support memory processes, helping with short-term recall and the ability to retrieve information after a delay, thanks to increased arousal, better blood flow, and neurobiological changes that boost encoding and consolidation. Vocabulary, however, is a store of language knowledge built through reading, listening, and deliberate study, and is not directly expanded by a single exercise bout. So, vocabulary is the one that isn’t directly improved by exercise, making it the best choice.