Do I have to write out the whole formula if it is taken from the formula sheet, and then plug in my figures, or can I just plug in my figures using the same format as the formula, but leave out the formula itself, and still get the method mark if my calculation is wrong?
Time pressure is my issue so trying to minimise my writing.
No – you do not need to write out the formula. Just make sure that you set out your workings nearly so that it is clear what formula you are using.
The one time you should write out the formula is if ever you do not know what figures to use (or do not have time to put the figures in). Then at least you will get a mark for knowing which formula you should be using 🙂