Scapegoat – Word of the Day for IELTS Speaking & Writing

Expanding your IELTS vocabulary with expressive and topic-specific words can significantly improve your Lexical Resource score. Today’s word, “Scapegoat,” is especially useful when discussing blame, responsibility, leadership, or social issues—topics commonly seen in both IELTS Writing Task 2 and IELTS Speaking Part 3.

Meaning of the Word “Scapegoat”

Part of Speech:

• Noun: A person who is unfairly blamed for the faults or wrongdoings of others.
• Verb: To unfairly blame someone for the mistakes or failures caused by others.

Origin and History of “Scapegoat”

The term scapegoat originates from a biblical ritual described in the Book of Leviticus, where two goats were chosen—one to be sacrificed, and the other to symbolically bear the sins of the community and be sent into the wilderness. The latter, burdened with the community’s wrongdoings, was called the “scapegoat.” The word entered English in the 16th century, symbolizing a person who is unjustly blamed.

How to Use “Scapegoat” in IELTS Speaking & Writing

Understanding how to use “scapegoat” in different forms can help convey accountability, injustice, and power dynamics effectively, especially in formal essays or opinion-based speaking responses, in the IELTS Speaking and IELTS Writing topics.

1. Noun: Scapegoat

Used to describe someone who is unfairly held responsible for a negative outcome.

Examples:

1. They used her as a scapegoat for the crime they committed.
2. The team made James the scapegoat for their failure.
3. I just escaped, or I would have been their scapegoat.
4. We just needed a scapegoat to put the blame on.
5. The government chose the chief minister as a scapegoat for their flaws.

2. Verb: Scapegoat

Used to describe the act of unfairly blaming someone else.

Examples:

1. We need a scapegoat to thrust this failure on.
2. I made her a scapegoat as I was afraid of facing my manager.
3. I made my clients a scapegoat because I couldn’t close the deal.
4. Can we use her as a scapegoat since she’s dad’s favorite?

Where to Use “Scapegoat” in IELTS?

• IELTS Speaking Part 2 or 3: When describing work environments, social relationships, or political issues involving blame or injustice.
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Ideal for essays related to government accountability, corporate ethics, social inequality, or education systems, especially when discussing who is responsible for problems in society.

Sample IELTS Speaking Answer Using “Scapegoat”

Use in: IELTS Speaking Part 3 (Social Issues or Workplace)

Q: Do you think people in power often avoid responsibility?
A: Yes, quite often. In many cases, leaders scapegoat subordinates to avoid facing the consequences of their decisions. This not only damages workplace morale but also reflects poor leadership.

Sample IELTS Writing Sentence Using “Scapegoat”

Use in: IELTS Writing Task 2 (Discussion or Opinion Essay)

Example Sentence:
In many workplaces, junior employees are made scapegoats for organizational failures, which highlights the lack of transparency and fairness in corporate culture.