How to change hosts file

Since my temp URL root folder is not the same as a production site URL (it does not point to the public_html folder but one level higher), it was suggested that i change my hosts file, but the tutorial does not really tell how to do that.

So, is the following change to my hosts file look correct? (I put a few Xs in place of a few numbers)

205.134.253.2xx http://vps1xxx3.inmotionhosting.com/~talent55/

Of course, I also have many root level designators in AJAX calls within my site code (and in hrefs as well), would they be likewise affected by a hosts file change?

I guess I am just confused as to exactly what to put in the hosts file, I did get the IP address from cPanel and the url in the line is what I want to become the root folder for all references in my css and html.