Correct Answer: Communication

Solution : The correct choice is the second option.

The reason communication is the appropriate one-word substitute for the group of words "an act of exchanging information" is because communication encompasses the broad concept of exchanging information, whether it's through verbal, written, or non-verbal means.
The meanings of the other options are as follows:

• Collaboration means working together with others to achieve a common goal.
• Touch means physical contact or interaction.
• Hold refers to having and keeping in one's grasp.

Therefore, the correct answer is communication.