Sample vs Population

I understand that sample is only a portion of population. However, I have difficulty in identifying when I should use sample standard deviation and population standard deviation. Do you guys have any ideas on how to quickly identify whether the question is asking about a sample or a population?

On the exam it will be clear which it is.

Some of the questions from prep providers are less clear.

I guess I wouldn’t have to worry much about that. Thank you very much!

My pleasure.