Read the passage about early steam vehicles and answer the question: "Cugnot built steam tractors for whom?"

Introduction / Context:
This question is another factual detail test from the same passage on the development of steam vehicles. It specifically asks about the group or institution for which Nicolas Joseph Cugnot constructed steam tractors. Such details are common in reading comprehension tests and require careful attention to who did what for whom.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The passage says that Cugnot built the first full scale, self propelled mechanical vehicle and also created a steam powered tricycle. - It further states that he "constructed two steam tractors for the French Army". - One of these tractors is preserved in the French National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts. - The question: "Cugnot built steam tractors for:" followed by several options.

Concept / Approach:
The correct approach is to locate the exact sentence in the passage that names the recipient of Cugnot's steam tractors. The text clearly states that the two steam tractors were constructed for the French Army. The French National Conservatory is mentioned only as the place where one tractor is preserved, not as the customer. The Chinese Emperor and the Jesuit mission refer to Verbiest's earlier model, not to Cugnot's work.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the key phrase "steam tractors" in the passage. Step 2: Find the sentence: "He constructed two steam tractors for the French Army, one of which is preserved in the French National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts." Step 3: Note that the direct beneficiary named here is "the French Army". Step 4: Compare this with each option: The Chinese Emperor is associated with Verbiest's small model vehicle, not Cugnot's tractors. Step 5: The Jesuit mission refers to Verbiest's role as a member of a mission in China, not Cugnot's work. Step 6: The French Conservatory is simply the institution preserving one tractor, not the original client. Therefore, "The French Army" is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Re read the relevant part of the passage slowly, paying attention to prepositions. The phrase "for the French Army" clearly indicates purpose and client, while "in the French National Conservatory" describes the current location. This distinction between "for" and "in" helps confirm that the tractors were built for military use, not for a museum or conservatory.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, "The Chinese Emperor", is linked to Verbiest's toy like model steam vehicle from 1672, which could not carry passengers. Option C, "The Jesuit mission", again relates to Verbiest's role as a Jesuit in China. Option D, "The French Conservatory", is the modern home of one of the tractors, not the organisation for which the tractors were originally built. Therefore, these three options misinterpret the relationships described in the passage.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse "for" with "in" or "at" when reading quickly. They may notice the phrase "French National Conservatory" and assume that Cugnot built the tractors for that institution. To avoid such mistakes, always pay attention to the prepositions used: "for" indicates the beneficiary or purpose, while "in" indicates location. If you train yourself to underline such small but important words while practising, you will handle similar questions more accurately in real exams.

Final Answer:
The French Army is the correct answer; Cugnot built steam tractors for the French Army.